The Challenges of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Between Farmers and Pastoralists in North East Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict resolution and peace building are important instruments for de-escalation and transformation of conflict no matter how complex it may be. Yet the duo concepts are most elusive and challenging in conflict situations. Lack of deploying effective conflict resolution and peace building mechanisms by successive governments and other independent groups and organizations in Nigeria provides a congenial space for some conflict to thrive and protract across ages as the case with farmer-pastoralists in North-eastern region and Northern Nigeria in general. The paper utilized secondary sourced data through content analysis of the existing literature and reports by traditional leaders and local council officials who are directly involved in the local resolution of these conflicts. The paper argues that the long-standing vicious circle of conflict between farmers and pastoralists is attributed to flaws and feeble institutional and communal framework for conflict resolution and peace building. This development has continued to threaten Nigeria’s aspirations to achieving sustainable peace and development. The paper concludes that, Low level of awareness and education; inadequate capacity building for traditional institution and other local officials to be proactive and fully understand the dynamics of conflict management. These approaches among others things are some of the major challenges of conflict resolution and peace building in farmer-pastoralists conflict.