Association Between Permanent Zero-Grazing and Reported Farmer–Herder Conflict Reduction in Ngozi Commune, Burundi
Viator Nkeshimanav *
Master’s Programme in Rural Development, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Gérard Nishemezwe
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomy and Bio-Engineering, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2940, Bujumbura, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: In areas of intensive crop–livestock interaction, uncontrolled livestock movement may damage cultivated fields and contribute to disputes. Burundi has adopted legislation promoting permanent animal confinement. This study examined associations between reported zero-grazing use and household perceptions of reduced farmer–herder conflicts in Ngozi Commune.
Methods: A cross-sectional household survey conducted in 2025 included 384 respondents from seven administrative zones and 19 localities. Study information was obtained through questionnaires, interviews with officials and observations. Descriptive summaries, association measures and exploratory logistic regression were used. Historical accounts of animal straying and changes in conflict were elicited retrospectively rather than obtained from independently observed longitudinal records.
Results: Among 384 respondents, 363 (94.5%) reported that zero-grazing had helped reduce conflict; 107 (27.9%) reported personal involvement in farmer–herder conflicts. Animal straying was retrospectively reported at 85.4% for the earlier period and 9.4% for the later period, a 76.0-percentage-point descriptive contrast. In exploratory regression summaries, adoption was associated with perceived conflict reduction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 11.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.21–31.9), while reported access to livestock buildings (aOR = 20.3; 95% CI 8.45–48.8) and fodder (aOR = 4.76; 95% CI 1.62–14.0) were associated with adoption. Positive views of the system were reported by 88.0%; fodder shortage (88.8%) and theft (85.7%) were prominent perceived constraints.
Conclusion: Zero-grazing was associated with favourable perceptions of conflict reduction and livestock confinement in this surveyed population. The cross-sectional, self-reported evidence does not establish the causal effect of legislation or confinement on conflict incidence. Improving access to fodder and practical livestock infrastructure warrants consideration alongside further prospective evaluation.
Keywords: Zero-grazing, farmer–herder conflict, animal straying, livestock confinement, household survey, Burundi, Ngozi Commune