Utilizing the Potentials of Community Development Associations for Conflict Resolutions and Peace Building in Benue State

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine whether the inherent potentials of Community Development Associations in Benue State could be applied in conflict resolution and peace building in the State. From a universe of 314 registered CDAs in the state, a sample of 217 participants taken out of an expected 300, respondents from conflict prone LGAs, and 50 from non-conflict prone LGAs was taken for the study.  Five research objectives and seven research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted while descriptive statistics   was used to analyze data from the questionnaire. It was found that CDAs are not only involved in peace building; they are viewed as essential to it. It was also found that CDAs are not only involved in peace building; they are viewed as essential to it. Their grassroots legitimacy, participatory methods and relational proximity to their community members position them a critical agent in sustaining peace. Strengthening their linkages with formal institutions, providing training and securing funding would further enable CDAs scale up their impact and institutional relevance in conflict resolution in Benue state. Integrating CDAs into formal conflict resolution frameworks, while preserving their grassroots orientation is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable peace in the state.