A concentric approach to understanding herders-farmers clashes in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria

This paper provides a theoretical appraisal as regards the phenomenon of Herders and farmers clashes in north central of Nigeria, specifically “Benue” and “Nassarawa” States. By way of qualitative discourse, grounded on secondary sources, the paper gives insight and a deep understanding on the contending issues surrounding resource struggle by host farmers and migrating herders. The approach of Burgess and his concentric model opens up a wider midcourse and analysis; the model examines the historical roadmap to nomadic exploration, encroachment of old cattle routes and its implicating effect on land use in contemporary conflict.   Key words: Cattle routes, North central, Burgees theory, herders, farmers, conflict.