Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations

A Critical Analysis of the Implications of Farmers-Herders Conflict in Benue and Plateau State, Nigeria

Abdulrahman Abubakar, Adebola A. R. Bakare, Abdulsalami Abubakar — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The persistent conflict between farmers and herders in Benue and Plateau States has evolved into a major threat to human security, food stability, and communal coexistence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. This study critically analyses the root causes, dynamics, and far-reaching implications of the conflict. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data, the research examines how environmental degradation, resource competition, weak policy implementation, ethnic tensions, and the proliferation of small arms have exacerbated violence between agrarian and pastoralist communities. The study finds that the conflict has led to widespread displacement, loss of lives and livelihoods, disruptions in agricultural productivity, and a deepening of inter-group distrust. It also highlights the socio-political consequences of the crisis, including governance challenges and the strain on state security apparatuses. The paper concludes by evaluating current mitigation strategies and recommending more inclusive, community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, strengthened security presence, and sustainable land-use policies. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and development actors aiming to foster peace and socio-economic resilience in the affected states.

Us–China Trade War under Donald Trump 2017–2021: Trade Substitution Opportunities for Nigeria?

Joseph Bamikole Adeyanju — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study interrogates the reverberations of the US-China trade war on developing economies, with specific reference to the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria. While the US-China trade war is ongoing and becoming more intensified, concerns have been raised concerning the nature and dynamics of the trade war, the current and potential effects it has on both countries and the global economy - due to the importance of trade liberalization to global economic integration. Studies reveal that the trade war has changed the pattern of trade of many countries, especially in Asia, taking trade substitution as an alternative pathway to benefit from the trade war. Within the context of trade substitution as a viable opportunistic method, operationalized within the framework of securitization and competitive advantage theories, this study analyzes the extent of such in developing economies of Africa, in tandem with the factor of trade influence on economic development in terms of GDP. Through the use of textual data and thematical analysis, this study submits that China and the United States are key drivers in the global economy; the African economy is relatively affected by the US-China trade war; effects of the trade war is reflected in the pattern of Nigeria’s import and export; Nigeria can take more advantage of US-China trade substitution. Also, there is a need for Nigeria to make production-oriented economic policies in order to position Africa among the global supply chain to mitigate the trade war effects as they intensify.

Workforce Diversity and Organizational Performance in Higher Education Institutions: Evidence from IBB University, Lapai

Umar Halilu Kobo — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research explored how having a diverse workforce affected worker performance at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. The study particularly aimed to investigate how gender diversity, age diversity, ethnic diversity and educational background diversity impacts performance. The university staff members had a total population of the study equal to 1450. A total of 345 respondents became the sample that was determined using Yamane’s formula and stratified random sampling. This was to ensure that both academic and non-academic staffs were represented. The research utilized a survey design, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The study outcome shows that gender diversity, ethnics’ diversity, and education background diversity positively and significantly affect employee performance. This indicates that gender diversity, ethnic diversity and educational background diversity lead to more creativity and more productivity. However, functional diversity based on age does not lead to a significant increase in performance in University. Workforce diversity is a fundamental driver of institutional performance when properly managed. The management is advised to sustain their endeavor to endorse gender equality, ethnic diversity, educational diversity, and mentorship programs, and further optimize age diversity with a view to attaining utmost performance