THE ROLE OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY IN ADDRESSING FARMER–HERDER RESOURCE USE CONFLICTS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Farmer-herder conflicts over resource use have become a major socio-economic and security issue in Nigeria, especially in recent years. In Southeast Nigeria, rising competition for land, water, and grazing routes has heightened tensions between agricultural communities and pastoralists, leading to loss of life, property damage, forced displacement, and disruptions to farming. This study investigates how moral philosophy can help address these conflicts by analyzing their ethical dimensions and assessing how moral principles might support peaceful coexistence, fairness, and sustainable management of resources. Data were collected through questionnaire and oral interview. It is grounded in core moral theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and African communal ethics, all of which offer insights into responsibility, justice, mutual respect, and collective well-being. The findings indicate that while resource scarcity plays a role, many conflicts are also fueled by breaches of ethical norms, including disregard for justice, human rights, accountability, and social obligations. The study shows that applying moral reasoning can encourage dialogue, support reconciliation, promote fair access to resources, and reinforce local conflict resolution practices. It concludes that moral philosophy provides meaningful approaches for tackling the ethical roots of farmer-herder disputes and fostering lasting peace in the region. The study advocates for incorporating moral education, community-based ethical values, inclusive policy development, and traditional mediation systems into conflict prevention and management strategies. By emphasizing the role of ethics and moral reflection, the research adds to existing knowledge on resolving resource conflicts and strengthening social cohesion.