Rural Development And Resource-Based Conflict In North-Central Nigeria: Escalation, Consequences And Management

Abstract

Rural development is crucial for the socio-economic growth of any nation, particularly in Nigeria, where the majority of the population residues in rural areas. However, rural development in North-Central Nigeria is hindered by resource-based conflicts, which have become a recurring decimal in the region. Therefore, this paper examined rural development and resource-based conflict in North-Central Nigeria. The specific objectives includes examining the incidences of resource-based conflicts in North-Central Nigeria, identifying the causes of resource-based conflict in North-Central Nigeria and bring to light the escalation, consequences and management of resource-based conflict in North-Central Nigeria. By adopting secondary sources of data collection, the paper used eco-violence theory to buttress the review. The paper revealed recent incidents of resource-based conflict in North Central Nigeria include clashes between herders and farmers in Benue state, escalating violence involving herders and farming communities in the Middle Belt region, conflict associated with open grazing in Benue and Plateau states, displacement of populations in Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states. It also revealed policies imposed without local participation, socio-economic changes, uncoordinated planning, inadequate or poor information sharing, migration and commercialization of common property resources among others as major causes of resource-based conflicuts in the North-Central Nigeria. Vacation of ancestral home, destruction of properties, decline of commercial activities as well as agricultural practices, lost of lives, love and affections among others as major consequences of resources-based conflict in North-Central Nigeria. The also revealed effective communication, win-lose, lose-lose, and win-win approach among others as some of the conflict management strategies in North-Central Nigeria. The paper concluded that resource-based conflicts are a common occurrence in Nigeria's north-central area, and can have extremely damaging effects on both people and property. Most often, these disputes result from an incapacity to manage the community's limited resources and from giving in to the demands of some self-interested politicians who seek to gain or hold onto power at all costs. Therefore, it was recommended among others that there should be a regular dialogue sessions between farming and herding communities to address grievances and resolve conflicts, develop mutual understanding and trust, identify joint economic opportunities and collaborative projects that will provide employment opportunities for the youths in the region.