Households Coping Strategies With Violent Conflicts in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impacts of violent conflicts on households in Plateau State, Nigeria, how households mobilise or access resources for coping and the factors that impede on the effectiveness of processes and outcomes of the different types of interventions carried out by both state and non-state actors. Adopting qualitative research method, primary data was collected through in—depth interviews, and supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Thus, 36 in-depth interviews, 3 focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews were carried out. Guided by the research questions, the data collected for this study was thematically analysed using qualitative data analysis method to generate codes and themes. New insights to findings reveal that family life, children’s growth and development have been negatively impacted; tilling virgin lands every now and then in host communities outside Plateau State is negatively impacting the effectiveness of coping of such households; beliefs and ideologies; traditional institutions and the African spirit of ‘ubuntu’ have been great source for coping. Poor synergy and interagency cooperation; development deficits; poor planning and coordination; the recurring nature of the violent conflicts and poor political-will, continue to impede on the quality of future interventions by both State and non state actors. Addressing these gaps in interventions will go a long way in ensuring effective and sustainable outcomes, thereby alleviating the plights of displaced households in Plateau communities. The findings in this study will contribute to evidence-based approach to programming.