CONCUR: Conciliation in Nigeria through Community-Based Conflict Management and Cooperative Use of Resources.

The recent surge in livelihood conflicts has proven to be a deterring factor in positive community development. In some communities, young men are recruited to perpetuate violence thereby suspending any potential individual growth and development, while young girls, and indeed women, are placed in vulnerable situations. EVA has seen the effects of these conflicts after having spilled into communities where we work and stalled the progress of such communities.

Partnering with Pastoral Resolve and Mercy Corps, and with funding from DFID, EVA has taken up the conflict resolution project in order to empower communities and community leaders to be able to manage, resolve, and prevent community conflicts from becoming violent uprisings. The project objectives include: strengthening the capacity of local leaders to resolve community conflicts in an inclusive, sustainable manner; supporting the sustainability of dispute resolution through joint economic and natural resource initiatives; and raising awareness of the economic costs of conflict and promoting long-term policy solutions through business-led research and advocacy.

The project is currently being implemented by EVA in Nassarawa and Benue and is expected to contribute to the reduction of violence in both states. By promoting peace and stability, the program will improve the enabling environment for economic growth and poverty reduction and help fulfill an essential precondition for Nigeria’s development.