How can a participatory approach help quell violent conflict? The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented spate of violence related to the impacts of oil and gas production. This paper from the African Journal on Conflict Resolution recommends a collaborative problem-solving approach to conflict management in the region. This avoids problems associated with more adversarial approaches and gives all participants the chance to express their views and influence decisions. However, the participatory approach requires very careful planning, determination on the part of all stakeholders, plus highly skilled facilitators.
In the Niger Delta, unresolved conflict has resulted in violence. Many years of oil and gas production in the region have left people dispossessed of their land, resources and livelihoods. This has led to poverty, infrastructure decay and crime. The region has become ridden by violent conflict, both within communities, between communities and oil companies and between communities and government.
There is a clear need to revisit the management of relations in the Niger Delta. Taking a participatory approach would mean solving problems and making decisions collaboratively. This approach places equal priority on relationships between parties and finding a mutually satisfying outcome. There are three reasons for a participatory approach in the Niger Delta:
- The level of poverty in the area is deepening as inhabitants are unable to carry on with economic activity. Houses, farm lands and fishing ponds are often destroyed during conflict. The deaths of male household heads leaves widows and orphans. Increased morbidity also reduces agricultural productivity.
- The old perspectives and management strategies of communities, federal government and oil companies have failed. Each of these three stakeholders has its own perception of the problems and ways of dealing with them. Interactions have been adversarial and tactical, with a lack of common focus.
- The Niger Delta region is the economic nerve centre of the nation. It cannot afford the disruptions to oil production caused by violent conflicts.
The idea of taking a participatory approach in the Niger Delta is not new; policymakers have talked about it without wholly applying the principles. A more integrated approach is needed. A community participatory process should be built into decision-making at all times. This would involve:
- Seeing conflict management as a process of three levels: Conflict prevention, peace promotion and consolidation; conflict control and abatement; and conflict resolution.
- Establishing governance structures with good representation and gender balance at the community level, such as community monitoring teams.
- Employment of trained facilitators by oil companies and the government and involvement of pro-active civil society organisations. These could help define and advocate a common policy agenda for the Niger Delta region, contribute to new polices and assess their implications.
- Input from groups who have been involved in training and capacity building, such as the National Centre for Economic Management and Administration. A team of trained facilitators in government agencies and NGOs could support the participatory process and nurture it to maturity.
