LAND USE CONFLICT AMONG VEGETABLE FARMERS IN DENU: DETERMINANTS, CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

The study applies descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to investigate the causes, consequence and the determinants of land use conflict among vegetable farmers in Denu. Findings from the study indicate that multiple claims to ownership, land seen as the only source of survival, low level of education, strong population growth, legislative loopholes, and lack of access to land administration, erosion and inaccurate surveying were identified as the major causes of land use conflict among vegetable farmers in Denu. It further was revealed that land use conflicts increase cost, lead to loss of property, social and political instability, impact negatively on livelihoods and culminate in poor yield of crops and animals. The logistic regression result further revealed that length of years respondents have farmed on their plot, household size, years of education and income of respondents from other sources determine whether respondents experienced conflict or not. The study recommends that farmers engage in other businesses to reduce conflict. In addition, existing conflict resolution systems must be strengthened.