TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………….iii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 5
1.4 Research Questions. 5
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 6
1.6 Significance of the Study. 6
1.7 Scope of the Study. 7
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 7
1.9 Organization of the Study. 7
1.10 Definition of Terms. 8
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction. 11
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 11
2.2.1 Social Capital Theory. 11
2.2.2 Conflict Transformation Theory. 11
2.2.3 Human Security Theory. 12
2.2.4 Participatory Governance Theory. 12
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 13
2.4 Empirical Review.. 16
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 18
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction. 20
3.2 Research Design. 20
3.3 Population and Sampling. 21
3.4 Data Collection Methods. 21
3.4 Data Analysis. 22
3.5 Conclusion. 23
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Preamble. 24
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 24
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one: 28
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 39
4.5 Discussion of Findings. 40
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings. 42
5.2 Conclusion. 43
5.3 Recommendations. 43
REFERENCES. 45
APPENDICES. 48
Appendix I: Research Questionnaire. 48
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has faced the ongoing challenge of managing its religious, ethnic, regional, and political diversity. A significant test of the country's ability to handle these diversities, maintain sustainable peace, and foster national integration has been the ethno-religious crises, particularly in Plateau State, especially in Jos, and Borno State, particularly in Maiduguri (Emelonye & Buergenthal, 2011). Despite the fact that identity-based violence is widespread throughout Nigeria, Plateau State—the nation's second most ethnically diverse state after Adamawa—is particularly affected. The diverse population of the state is often split into "indigenes" and "settlers," reflecting the two major religions of Islam and Christianity. The crises in Jos have resulted in serious human rights violations, a split local community, and significant material losses. Recurrent sectarian conflicts often surface during election periods (Emelonye and Buergenthal, 2011).
Nigeria saw many types of conflict and armed violence between 1995 and 2005. At least 62 identity-based conflicts have occurred in the past ten years, with 22 of those incidents taking place in 2004 alone (Bagudu, 2005). This number excludes the 2009 start of the Boko Haram insurgency, the 2008 Plateau State Local Government Election violence, the 2011 post-election violence, the rise of the Independent People of Biafra and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, and the formation of Ombatse cult groups (Maigari, 2022). Nigeria's reaction to conflict has been mostly reactive, relying heavily on military or physical force to resolve disputes, even though coercion is not the primary strategy for maintaining order and ensuring public compliance. Peacebuilding is thus critical for anticipating, reducing, and managing violent conflict within society.
The goal of peace building is to create and maintain a society that is stable and peaceful. This includes a range of initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts and promoting enduring peace, including capacity building, institution building, and reconciliation.
There are various approaches to promoting peace and resolving conflicts, such as bottom-up strategies that prioritize the participation of local communities and civil society organizations and top-down strategies that depend on the involvement of external entities (such as the United Nations or international NGOs) (Adepoju and Abiodun, 2016). Civil society organizations (CSOs) have become critical participants in promoting communication, reconciliation, and long-term peace in a country where sociopolitical issues and economic imbalances frequently lead to conflict. Their lobbying activities, grassroots participation, and community mobilization make them critical partners in addressing Nigeria's complex peace and security challenges (Ibrahim, 2021).
CSOs are instrumental in peacebuilding in Nigeria as they bridge the gap between the populace and the government. Many of these organizations concentrate on community development, human rights, and conflict resolution, creating a supportive atmosphere for dialogue and collaboration. Research indicates that local actors who grasp the specific dynamics of their communities are crucial for effective peacebuilding (Adebayo, 2020).
In addition to advocating for policy changes, CSOs enable communities to take part in meaningful dialogues and collaborations by working to prevent and resolve conflicts (Ogunyemi, 2019). CSOs serve as a counterbalance in Nigeria, where government institutions frequently struggle with legitimacy and efficacy, encouraging transparency and accountability. They keep an eye out for and report abuses of human rights, which promotes confidence between the public and the government (Usman, 2022). Furthermore, CSOs play a crucial role in attaining lasting peace by assisting community-driven projects that address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and inequality (Ibrahim and Adedoyin, 2023).
The success of peacebuilding initiatives has been greatly increased by collaboration between international organizations and civil society organizations (CSOs). By utilizing international resources and expertise, Nigerian CSOs have effectively implemented cutting-edge initiatives to combat violence and foster social cohesion (Nwankwo, 2021). This collaboration is especially evident in areas affected by communal conflicts and insurgency, where targeted interventions have shown promise in reducing tensions and fostering community resilience (Olufemi, 2020). In light of this, this study looks at how civil society organizations contribute to peacebuilding in Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the Maintain Peace Initiative in Uyo.
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
In Nigeria, persistent violence stemming from ethnic, religious, and political tensions poses a significant barrier to sustainable peace. Despite the efforts of government and international bodies, conflicts continue to escalate, leading to loss of lives and displacement of communities. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have emerged as critical players in peacebuilding, yet their effectiveness is often hampered by limited resources, political interference, and a lack of recognition by state authorities (Ogunyemi, 2019).
Moreover, the diverse nature of Nigeria's conflicts complicates the peacebuilding landscape, necessitating tailored approaches that resonate with local communities (Adebayo, 2020).
This situation raises urgent questions about how CSOs can enhance their contributions to peacebuilding in a landscape marked by distrust and fragmentation. The proposed study aims to establih the effectiveness of CSOs in fostering peace in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Maintain Peace Initiative (MPI), Uyo.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the role of civil society organizations in peacebuilding in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the extent to which civil society organizations contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.
- To assess the challenges faced by civil society organizations in their peacebuilding activities in Nigeria.
- To identify best practices and lessons learned from the experiences of civil society organizations in peacebuilding in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What are the primary strategies employed by civil society organizations in promoting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria?
- What are the major obstacles faced by civil society organizations in carrying out their peacebuilding work in Nigeria, including security threats, funding constraints, and government interference?
- What are the most effective peacebuilding programs implemented by civil society organizations in Nigeria, and what factors contribute to their success?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: Civil society organizations do not have a significant impact on peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Peace and Conflict Studies sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Maintain Peace Initiative, Uyo. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Non-governmental, non-profit groups that operate independently from the government, aimed at promoting social, political, or environmental causes, and often engaged in advocacy, service delivery, and community mobilization.
2. Peacebuilding
A comprehensive process aimed at preventing the onset, escalation, or recurrence of violent conflict, involving a range of activities that address root causes of conflict, promote reconciliation, and strengthen social cohesion.
3. Conflict Resolution
Strategies and processes employed to resolve disputes and conflicts amicably, often focusing on negotiation, mediation, and dialogue to achieve a peaceful outcome.
4. Advocacy
Efforts by CSOs to influence public policy, raise awareness, and mobilize community support for issues related to peace, justice, and human rights, often involving lobbying government and other stakeholders.
5. Community Engagement
The process through which CSOs involve local populations in discussions and actions related to peacebuilding, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among community members.
6. Social Cohesion
The bonds that connect members of a community, promoting a sense of belonging and shared identity, which are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict.
7. Capacity Building
Initiatives aimed at strengthening the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals and organizations, particularly in communities affected by conflict, to enhance their effectiveness in peacebuilding efforts.
