Stressor or succour? Examining the association between conflict, livestock assets, and farmers’ mental health in Nigeria

Fadare, O., Zanello, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0477-1385 and Srinivasan, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2537-7675 (2023) Stressor or succour? Examining the association between conflict, livestock assets, and farmers’ mental health in Nigeria. Economics and Human Biology, 49. 101234. ISSN 1873-6130 doi: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101234

Abstract/Summary

Farmers are disproportionately vulnerable to violent attacks in the conflict situation in Nigeria, with potential traumatising effects due to the destruction of agricultural livelihoods. In this study, we conceptualise the links between conflict exposure, livestock assets, and depression, using a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of 3,021 Nigerian farmers to quantify the relationships. We highlight three main findings. First, conflict exposure is significantly associated with farmers exhibiting depressive symptoms. Second, holding higher herds of livestock, more cattle, and more sheep and goats while exposed to conflict is associated with higher risk of depression. Third, keeping more poultry is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Finally, this study accentuates the significance of psychosocial support for farmers in conflict situations. The relationships between different livestock species and farmers’ mental health may interest further research in strengthening the evidence.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/110699
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101234
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing
Publisher	Elsevier
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