Integrating Drone Technology (UAS) into Land-Use Conflict Resolution: A Qualitative Analysis of Farmer–Herdsman Dynamics and Food Security in Northern Nigeria

Introduction: The escalating land-use conflicts between nomadic herdsmen and sedentary farmers in northern Nigeria represent a critical disruption to national food security. Driven by climate-induced resource scarcity and traditional migratory shifts, these disputes result in significant loss of life and agricultural productivity. This study explores the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as a strategic tool for surveillance, resource management, and conflict mitigation.
Methods: Using a qualitative research design, data was gathered through semi-structured interviews, pictorial evidence, and a review of existing land-use policies. To identify systemic patterns, the qualitative data was analyzed through thematic categorization, focusing on three primary domains: Conflict Drivers, Security Vulnerabilities, and Technological Feasibility. This approach allowed the mapping of migration routes to avoid high-risk "clash zones".
Results: Analysis identified three distinct patterns of conflict: seasonal migration friction, border-crossing incursions, and the emerging exploitation of drone technology by non-state actors (terrorist groups). The study categorizes UAS applications into four actionable pillars:
1. Monitoring: Real-time surveillance of designated grazing reserves.
2. Tracking: Geospatial mapping of migration corridors to prevent farmland encroachment.
3. Intelligence: Early warning systems for border security.
4. Coexistence: Using aerial data to inform extension services and land-sharing agreements. Findings indicate that while UAS provides a tactical advantage, its efficacy is contingent upon community-based education and the formalization of grazing lands.
Conclusion: The integration of drone technology offers a novel framework for stabilizing Northern Nigeria’s agricultural sector. However, the study concludes that technological intervention must be preceded by robust legislative governance. There is an urgent need for the Nigerian government to regulate both armed and unarmed UAS use. Furthermore, a "hybrid governance" model involving traditional leaders is essential to ensure that drone-led surveillance fosters trust rather than further tension.