Empirical evidence of the impact of farmer-grazer conflicts on milk yield in Cameroon

Abstract

The study assesses the impact of farmer-grazer conflicts on milk yield in the northwest region of Cameroon. Survey data collected from 321 farmers and grazers were analysed using propensity score matching (PSM) and various matching algorithms that consider counterfactuals and the potential impact of conflict on milk yield. Our results show that farmer-grazer conflict significantly (p < 0.01) reduces cow milk yield in this region. Milk yield for farmers not exposed to conflicts is significantly (p < 0.01) higher than for those exposed. Counterfactual estimates based on PSM show a positive and highly significant (p < 0.01) potential outcome mean (POM) milk yield for conflict-exposed grazers, suggesting that if they were not exposed to conflict, their milk yield would be significantly (p < 0.001) higher than their current average. These results imply that reducing farmer-grazer conflicts increases cow milk productivity in communities where these conflicts are prevalent. While the impact of conflict varies across locations, promoting improved pasture adoption by grazers, and efficient family labour utilisation in milk production, especially among larger cattle holders, can contribute to increased milk yield. Additionally, providing water facilities and management skills to communities can reduce the likelihood of farmer-grazer conflicts, leading to overall production gains.