This study investigates the dynamics of herder–farmer conflicts (HFCs) across Nigeria’s nomadic pastoralism corridors (NPCs) in the context of climate and land use changes. Utilizing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and geospatial analysis within the conflict corridor model, the study identifies key climatic and environmental drivers of HFCs across identified hot-spot corridors. Results highlight that precipitation variability, temperature change, and water availability significantly contribute to conflict incidence, varying by region. In some areas, rising temperature reduces mobility and, consequently, conflict. In NPCs where climate and land use changes exhibit no significant influence on HFCs, the results point to underlying socio-politico-cultural forces as key determinants of conflicts. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated land use planning, climate-resilient agricultural practices, culturally informed conflict management strategies, and targeted policy reforms, including the formulation and implementation of a National Grazing Reserve Law, to mitigate future conflicts and strengthen food security.
Faiyetole et al. (Tue,) studied this question.