IMPACTS OF VIOLENT CONFLICTS ON THE ECONOMIES OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Violent conflicts have proved to have severe and significant impacts on rural economies in Nigeria and efforts to manage these conflicts will improve rural agrarian economies. The study analysed the impacts of violent conflicts on the economies of rural communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from the respondents using a structured interview schedule, while focus group discussions (FGD) sessions were employed to assess effects of conflicts on communities. Data were analysed using simple statistics, alternative resource cost stimation (ARCE) and content analysis while the Likert scale was used to measure the perception of respondents towards the causes of conflicts. The results revealed that the population was young with a mean age of 36 years. Mean annual income of respondents was N885,563.30 and standard deviation was N7,298,054.40 implying huge income inequality. There were six (6) major categories of conflicts identified in the area. These categories were communal conflicts, ethnic conflicts, resource conflicts (most often land conflicts), politically motivated conflicts, conflicts due to traditional chieftaincy, and the conflicts between state forces and militia groups. Expansion of agro-pastoralism (4.6) and Extensive sedentism (4.5) were very serious factors that were perceived to lead to conflicts. A total of ₦2,289,859,549 worth 30.28% of the State‘s 2018 IGR were lost in these conflicts. It was recommended that laws regarding people with diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic needs and population growth in relation to limited resources should be developed with great care and attention paid to all the parties involved in the process.