Community Development & Conflict Resolution

The study is aimed at investigating various farming practices that propagate environmental degradation in the study area. The design adopted for the study is survey inferential research. This design is appropriate for data collection and analysis. The area studied is the Central Senatorial District (CSD) of Cross River State, Nigeria. This district is made up of six (6) Local Government councils: Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, and Yakurr Local Government Areas. The population of the study is 687 farmers, which comprises of 344 male and 343 female, who were randomly selected. The instrument for data collection is a well-structured questionnaire titled Farmers' Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). It is divided into four (4) point scale ranging between Very adequate (VA), Adequate (A), Faire Adequate (FA), and Inadequate (IA). The questionnaire was made up of fifteen (15) items arranged in a four (4) point Likert scale. One-way Analysis of Variance was used for the data analysis, and the result revealed that continuous cultivation has a significant influence on environmental degradation. It was also revealed in the second hypotheses that poor tillage practices influence environmental degradation in the study area. It was recommended that Agricultural Extension Officers should educate the farmers on how to improve on their mode of farming; and they should also alert them on the ills of unsustainable farming practices of continuous cultivation and poor tillage system. It was also recommended that environmental education outline should be introduced into the primary and secondary school curriculum.

This article examines the historical and cultural formation of the Pare people of northeastern Tanzania, focusing on the distinct yet intertwined identities of the Gweno (Vaghonu) of North Pare and the Asu (Vaasu) of South Pare. Although commonly presented as a unified ethnic community, the Pare are in fact the product of diverse linguistic, political, and cultural trajectories. Drawing on historical sources, missionary archives, linguistic studies, and comparative ethnographic evidence, this paper analyzes how mercenary migrations, missionary language policies, and colonial administrative restructuring contributed to the integration of two previously separate peoples under the umbrella identity of "Pare." The study argues that the Gweno and Asu remain distinct in language and cultural heritage, despite homogenization under external influences. Kigweno, once the dominant language of Ugweno, is now endangered, while Chasu has flourished due to missionary promotion and demographic spread. A comparative analysis of linguistic, cultural, and political affiliations highlights enduring differences between the two communities. The findings are situated within broader debates on the construction of ethnicity, language endangerment, and historical memory in Africa. By highlighting the parities and distinctions of Gweno and Asu, this paper contributes to scholarship on East African identity formation and underscores the need for renewed attention to linguistic and cultural preservation.

This study aims to explore the conflict resolution mechanisms employed by the local leaders in Banisilan municipality. The research design of the study was qualitative-narrative to which thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Sample of this study included ten (10) local leaders who are bonafied residents of Barangays Busaon, Pantar, Salama, and Tinimbacan, Banisilan Municipality. Specifically, they are barangay captains, traditional leaders, and religious leaders and actively involved in the conflict settlements for ten (10) years of more. The study has employed purposive-sampling to identify and select the participant. The analysis was addressed descriptively to see the themes developed on the various types of conflicts commonly arise in the municipality of Banisilan, the conflict resolution mechanisms utilized by the local leaders, the perceived effectiveness of these mechanisms in promoting peace, and the challanges encountered by the leaders in implementing such strategies. The findings of the study are anchored on Johan Galtung's Conflict ABC Triangle Theory (1969), Hybrid nature of peacebuilding decribed by Roger Mac Ginty (2010), and Human Security Paradigm of the UNDP (1994). Findings revealed that rido or family feud, land disputes, marital disputes, financial conflict, drugrelated conflict, and juvenile conflicts were the most common sources of conflict in Banisilan. Local leaders, encompassing barangay officials, traditional elders, religious authorities, and community mediators, utilize a hybridized set of mechanisms that blend state-recognized procedures with informal, customary, and faith-based approaches such as collaborative mediation and consulatation, barangay-based mediation, multi-agency collaborative approach, and council of elders-mediated settlement with Islamic guidelines. In terms of effectiveness, these conflict resolution mechanisms are generally perceived as responsive, accessible, and culturally appropriate, particularly because they prioritize community involvement, restorative justice, and relationship healing over punitive action. The theme that emerged from the study include sustainable resolutions, community trust in leadership, blending legal and traditional systems, empowerment of local communities, unified leadership, adherance to agreements due to religious values, and collaboration with higher leaders.

In this paper, the practicalities of governance are evaluated within the context of a local, dual government system confronted by a complex set of global capital forces. More than four decades into Zimbabwe's political independence, the country retains a relic of the colonial era through multiple government structures (Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation, 2014; Ncube, 2011). On the one hand are urban councils; on the other, rural councils. The distinctions are not always clear, as some rural councils aspire to urban status. Nonetheless, some rural structures remain and face complications when confronted with the demands of economic development, endorsed and led by the central government, while extracting resources from rural zones. A legal analysis of the scenario suggests there is little challenge, as the law makes clear that the state owns the resources beneath the ground. Ostensibly under the mantra of development on behalf of "the people", local development invites the injection of both local and international capital. Such capital is extractive by nature, seeking to accumulate profits in whatever government structure. The key consideration for capital (and to some degree the state) is that capitalists operate within the ambit of the law. However, legal codes and practical demands do not always coincide; neither do legal frameworks always function as they should, especially in Zimbabwe, where the Environmental Management Authority has been criticised (Rajah et al., 2012). Rather, practical issues may impose moral and existential complexities which require mediation. It is in these contexts that the governance system becomes exposed. What happens when global capital gains legal access to state resources but is confronted by local government, which seeks not just economic development but real development? How do actors navigate the governance terrain? What productive outcomes stem from the confluence of aid/capital, local resource utilisation/extraction and local governance? This paper argues for a serious engagement with the confluence of aid with informal sector activity in complex governance architectures. It engages with the scholarship on resource extraction and informality, which has been addressed in Myanmar (Prescott et al., 2020) and Ghana (Johnson, 2019), among other geolocations. However, in contrast to the widespread focus on artisanal and small-scale mining in the literature (Lahiri-Dutt & Australian National University Press, 2018), attention is cast on wider resource management (mining, forestry, land). In pursuing such an agenda, the study addresses an area closely associated with illegality and informality. As a result, the study draws on perspectives from informality, governance, and legal complexities. To develop the paper's arguments, the paper commences with conceptual matters regarding informality, governance, and resource management. Thereafter, the paper considers the Zimbabwean context to reveal some of the challenges that have riddled the informal sector in resource extraction and usage. It also outlines the country's governance structure. A discussion of the specific complexities, processes, and outcomes in the Nkayi district is then presented. A discussion section follows, highlighting the implications for economic development and human development. Conclusions mark the end of the paper. 2. Informality, Governance, and Resource Management McFarlane (2012) invites scholars in urban geography to rethink informality and formality as 'particular forms of practice'. This encouragement avoids binaries and instead draws similar forms of practice close. While this is a productive

The study investigated communal conflicts and community development initiatives in Rivers State. The purpose of this study is to determine how communal conflicts in terms of land disputes and leadership tussle influences community development initiatives in Rivers State. Two aims, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. With a population of 2,532, which included 60 registered Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in the 15 Local Government Areas of two (2) Senatorial Districts in Rivers State, the descriptive survey study methodology was chosen. A sample size of 546 respondents made up of 417 members and 129 leaders of the chosen registered CBOs was drawn using the multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a self structured questionnaire coded on a 4-point Likert scale and titled "Communal Conflicts and Community Development Activities Questionnaire" (CCCDAQ). The instrument was duly validated by three research experts. The test-retest method was employed in testing the reliability index of the instrument through the use of Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMCC) and a reliability index of 0.78 was obtained. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data gathered from the research questions; while the null hypotheses were tested using Z-test statistics at a 0.05 level of consequence. From the analyses, the findings revealed that there were no significant differences in the mean ratings of members and leaders of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) on the extent to which land disputes and leadership tussle influences community development initiatives in Rivers State. This also revealed that the respondents agreed to a high extent that communal conflicts

environmental sociology, omitting most of the historical material. 2 In 1980, this unpublished material became the starting point for a PhD at Griffith University, but again the final thesis omitted much of that historical material. 3 In 1988, this historical data was the starting point for a book that, in 1994, was submitted to Syracuse University Press, but was rejected because the editor felt it would not be economically viable. A small amount of that unpublished material became the opening chapter of From Utopian Dreaming to Communal Reality. 4 With financial support from Arts Queensland, material from the rejected manuscript, about Queensland's 1890s communes, was expanded, then published as The Gayndah Communes. 5 With a small Local History Writing Grant from the Victorian Government, another small part of the rejected text was expanded and published as Herrnhut: Australia's First Utopian Commune. 6 As well, other material from that rejected text has been expanded into eight scholarly articles, 7 three encyclopedia entries, 8 four chapters in edited books, 9 and two research reports.

ABSTRACT

Corruption is a phenomenon with serious consequences that affects human society all around the world. It is so rampant in Cameroon that not even the church is free from it. In 1998 and 1999, Cameroon was classified as the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International's indices. Its effects are widespread in all sectors, whether public or private. It is a problem that has plagued Cameroonian society by diverting funds intended for development and undermining the government’s ability to provide basic services, such as adequate healthcare, electricity, and infrastructural development.

The government, in an effort to eradicate corruption and enhance the right to development, has put in place legal, institutional, and policy frameworks to combat the issue; yet the phenomenon still prevails. This research, therefore, aims to critically examine the prevalence of corruption and its effects on the right to development. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology, which involves the content analysis of primary and secondary data.

This study reveals that corruption prevails in Cameroon because of a lack of political will to implement the laws against corruption, especially Section 66 of the constitution, which obliges public officials to declare all their wealth and assets at the start and end of their mandates, among other factors. In conclusion, the prevalence of this phenomenon largely hampers economic growth and human rights protection, especially the right to development. It leads to further indebtedness of the country, causes chaos and political instability, results in brain drain as skilled labor exits to seek greener pastures, and contributes to poverty and low living standards.

The study, therefore, recommends that a strong political will and proper implementation of Section 66 of the constitution will be significant steps toward eradicating corruption in Cameroon. If Cameroon is to be corruption-free like Finland, there must be committed leadership with a strong political will to inculcate the principles of accountability, honesty, and patriotism in the management of public affairs and national resources for the common good of all.

Keywords: Combating, Corruption, Development, Legal Frameworks.

The citizens of Seattle represent many ethnic backgrounds. White citizens predominate, but Blacks, Asians from a variety of ethnic origins, Hispanics, and Native Americans are also in evidence in both the neighborhoods and the political life of the city. According to the 1990 census, the city’s population is 75.3 percent White, 11.8 percent Asian and Pacific Islander, 10.1 percent Black, 1.4 percent Native American, and 1.4 percent other (of these, 3.5 percent identify themselves as Hispanic). But population figures for the city as a whole must be examined carefully before conclusions about integration can be drawn.

One of the major challenges with most swarm intelligence algorithms in multimodal optimization is premature convergence. Search engines are using web spiders to crawl the web in order to collect copies of the web sites for their databases. These spiders usually use the technique of breadth first search which is non-guided or blind that depends on visiting all links of any web site one-by-one. We have studied various swarm intelligence algorithm with the search engine to enrich the literature. In this work, we develop a Web-based Crawler Using Bee Swarm Intelligent Algorithm. The methodology used is Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology(SSADM) in this approach. We implemented with PHP programming language and MySQL as database. The expected results show links into different module in a closed system, which appear to be more productive, fast and more flexible when compared with existing web crawlers. This work could be beneficial to the government, research communities and any other organisations that deals with information retrieval.

Submitted by Adejoh Victor Synergos Development Innovations, 4th Floor, Labour House Plot 820/821, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT This study examines the link between climate change and trauma among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State, Nigeria. The research involved interviews and surveys with 276 smallholder farmers who were displaced due to farmer-herder conflicts and climate-related events. The majority (66.3%) had been smallholder farmers for over ten years. The study found that displacement is largely driven by a mix of environmental factors and farmer-herder land conflicts, with 85.1% facing both simultaneously. 85% of smallholder farmers have suffered significant impacts from climate change, leading to crop failures, lower yields, and loss of farmland. 77.2% of respondents experienced frequent anxiety, fear, and worries related to displacement or climate change, with 48.2% reporting constant feelings of anxiety. 78.3% experienced intrusive memories or dreams, indicating a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. A lack of perceived community support affects 86.2% of respondents, potentially increasing vulnerability and lowering resilience to climate-related and livelihood challenges. Access to farmland and seeds/tools is seen as important, with 52.9% of respondents indicating a desire for these forms of support. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to address both environmental and psychological impacts of climate change on displaced farming communities. This study further recommends policy changes for traumainformed support systems and climate-resilient farming practices to improve adaptive capacity and encourage recovery among IDPs in Benue State and other locations negatively impacted by climate change.

want to be ordinary Australians; 2) those to whom Judaism is a matter of private religious choice; and 3) the Zionists who seek the establishment of Israel and hope/plan to live there. 6 Other splits within the Jewish community of Melbourne were geographical, separated by the Yarra River, and based on social class. 7 In July 1941 the Zionist Federation of Australia and New Zealand created a Youth Department in an attempt to co-ordinate, and perhaps control, Habonim and the other Jewish youth groups which had sprung up across Australia. On behalf of Jewish youth, they published a moderate, Sydney-based magazine, The Young Zionist. 8 During the early years of World War Two, Habonim was 'an insular movement because geographically and culturally the foreign-born Jewish community was insular'. And within this European Jewish youth movement there was tension between the German and Polish born youth, as well as tension between them and the Australian and UK born Jews. 9 As the war progressed, and it became ever more apparent what was happening to Jews in Europe, the miniscule Habonim organization gained strength and influence as a Zionist Socialist Youth Movement. Under the direction of Dr David Tabor, a British chemist and metallurgist who had been sent to Australia as a ballistics expert, Habonim became an effective organization with the ultimate aim of encouraging young Australians to migrate to Palestine and help establish the state of Israel. In May 1944, Habonim adopted a charter, committing itself to the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. To Habonim, being an Australian Jew came to be 'synonymous with being a free and democratic Jew, bent on self-sacrifice and utter devotion to the Jewish people'. Habonim socialised Jewish youth with a Zionist edge which meant 'speaking the language, learning the knowledge, believing the creed and performing the actions which were gathered under the Habonim canopy '. 11 While some young Australian Jews wished to migrate and help establish the socialist state of Israel, usually with dreams of communal living in kibbutzim in mind, 'It was soon found … that the great change from life in the city … to communal life in a kibbutz in Israel, from mental and sedentary to hard physical work, together with the change of language, climate and standard of living … was too big to be made in one jump.' 12 It was argued and generally accepted that a pseudo-kibbutz in Australia

want to be ordinary Australians; 2) those to whom Judaism is a matter of private religious choice; and 3) the Zionists who seek the establishment of Israel and hope/plan to live there. 6 Other splits within the Jewish community of Melbourne were geographical, separated by the Yarra River, and based on social class. 7 In July 1941 the Zionist Federation of Australia and New Zealand created a Youth Department in an attempt to co-ordinate, and perhaps control, Habonim and the other Jewish youth groups which had sprung up across Australia. On behalf of Jewish youth, they published a moderate, Sydney-based magazine, The Young Zionist. 8 During the early years of World War Two, Habonim was 'an insular movement because geographically and culturally the foreign-born Jewish community was insular'. And within this European Jewish youth movement there was tension between the German and Polish born youth, as well as tension between them and the Australian and UK born Jews. 9 As the war progressed, and it became ever more apparent what was happening to Jews in Europe, the miniscule Habonim organization gained strength and influence as a Zionist Socialist Youth Movement. Under the direction of Dr David Tabor, a British chemist and metallurgist who had been sent to Australia as a ballistics expert, Habonim became an effective organization with the ultimate aim of encouraging young Australians to migrate to Palestine and help establish the state of Israel. In May 1944, Habonim adopted a charter, committing itself to the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. To Habonim, being an Australian Jew came to be 'synonymous with being a free and democratic Jew, bent on self-sacrifice and utter devotion to the Jewish people'. Habonim socialised Jewish youth with a Zionist edge which meant 'speaking the language, learning the knowledge, believing the creed and performing the actions which were gathered under the Habonim canopy '. 11 While some young Australian Jews wished to migrate and help establish the socialist state of Israel, usually with dreams of communal living in kibbutzim in mind, 'It was soon found … that the great change from life in the city … to communal life in a kibbutz in Israel, from mental and sedentary to hard physical work, together with the change of language, climate and standard of living … was too big to be made in one jump.' 12 It was argued and generally accepted that a pseudo-kibbutz in Australia

This paper examined education for peace and conflict resolution in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In view of mankind's experience with war and violence, a global movement has emerged which recommends discussion of issues of peace in education at all levels and in all its forms. Accordingly, education could be used to teach understanding and respect for all peoples, their cultures, civilizations, values and ways of life. Conflict is a phenomenon that is important for human existence. The purpose of conflict resolution is to provide an environment in which each individual can feel physically and psychologically free from threats and danger and can guide. It is in the light of the above that this paper looked at the following concepts in relation to education, peace, conflict and conflict resolution in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, i.e., origin of education, concept of peace, education and peace, conflict and conflict resolution. The paper recommended that for peace and conflict resolution to prosper, there is need for a critical reorientation of the curriculum across all disciplines and at all education levels so as to highlight people's oriented analysis of peace and conflict and also the practice of personal and social peace. It also suggested that government and other stakeholders should develop and fund adequate peace education in the Nigerian tertiary education curriculum.

Based on the framework of Yin - Yang theory, this paper divides interpersonal energy into negative Yin energy, negative Yang energy, and corresponding positive energy forms. Through 12 community practice cases, it systematically explains the laws of energy interaction and neutralization strategies. The study finds that negative Yin energy (internal friction type) needs to be channeled by positive Yang energy (explicit care), and negative Yang energy (aggressive type) needs to be buffered by positive Yin energy (calmness and tolerance). This "attribute complementation" mechanism can increase the success rate of community conflict mediation by 42% and the active participation of service recipients by 58%. The research pays special attention to the core value of energy authenticity and the buffering mechanism of long - term contact, reveals the identification mechanism of disguised energy, intervention limitations, and the guidance rhythm of negative states, and constructs a three - dimensional model of "energy identification - strategy matching - effect evaluation", which provides an operable energy intervention tool for social work practice.

Farmers-herders conflict in North Central Nigeria has escalated into a major security and developmental crisis, significantly impacting the region's agrarian areas. This paper therefore examined the impact of farmers-herders conflict on rural development in the North-Central Nigeria. The paper's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the conflict, identify its underlying causes, and explore strategies to mitigate its occurrence in the region. The study employed Resource Access Theory and Social Conflict Theory as its theoretical framework. This paper utilizes secondary data, drawing on books, reports, journal articles, and other documented materials, to analyze the complex issues surrounding the farmer-herder conflict. The paper revealed an alarming increase in the prevalence and intensity of farmer-herder conflicts in North Central Nigeria in recent times, identifying several interconnected factors driving these conflicts such as competition over land resources, climate change, land tenure systems, political dimensions, weak governance structures, economic factors, and the proliferation of small arms among others. The paper further revealed the devastating consequences of the conflict, including widespread loss of life, displacement of communities, decline in agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and disruption of rural economies. The paper however underscores the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to address these challenges. The paper concluded by emphasising the necessity of multidimensional approaches to mitigate the farmer-herder conflict and promote sustainable rural development and therefore recommends strengthening resource management and land governance, enhancing conflict resolution mechanisms, and promoting economic diversification and climate resilience to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

The GrandMaster’s Community Leadership Handbook is not a conventional manual — it is a battle-tested blueprint designed for emerging and active grassroots leaders. From conflict resolution to resource-constrained community development, this handbook provides clarity, courage, and strategic tools for effective leadership. It draws on real-world experiences and offers practical guidance for navigating public administration, managing community-based organizations (CDAs), and building inclusive governance structures. Adeyemi empowers leaders at the grassroots with tested solutions and a compelling vision for social impact.

Keywords:
Community Leadership; CDA; Grassroot Leadership; Community Governance; Public Administration; Conflict Resolution; CDA Constitution

Publication Date:
2025-05-10

Publisher:
(Self-published)

Language:
English

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15380363

License:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Type:
Book

Subjects:

Community Leadership

Public Administration

Political Science

Community Development

Leadership Studies

Sociology


Contributor(s):
Cover Design: Just-IT Media, Lagos.

Photograph: Provided by the author

El presente trabajo se propone investigar las posibilidades de la Realidad Aumentada como medio de expresión y difusión de proyectos en la era pos-PC. Y por consiguiente, el impacto de ella en las dinámicas del taller, y en las metodologías de enseñanza. Y además, crear una herramienta informática a medida, para contribuir al mejor aprovechamiento de los nuevos medios en la praxis de proyecto.