Gaps in knowledge about local peacebuilding: a study in deficiency from Jos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The emphasis on local or hybrid efforts in peacebuilding literature brings front and centre the importance of being rooted within a particular context, with leadership and vision for social change and justice proffered by local actors. This is the same emphasis found in development literature and a necessary foundation for transformation. Scholars and practitioners nevertheless also note a role for outsiders in supporting local efforts (eg Lederach in 2005). Yet a significant challenge arises for outsiders, and to some extent local actors: how do you know what was tried or is underway that you might support or from which you might learn? This paper reports findings from a collaborative research project that examined the gap between the practice of peacebuilding locally and internationally available ‘knowledge’ via publications produced on local peacebuilding in Jos, Nigeria, between 2001 and 2008. It identifies a staggering gap between efforts and knowledge in the form of publications. The paper discusses the implications of the findings in terms of what it means for outsiders when thinking about helping resource local transformation efforts.

KEYWORDS:

• Peace
• Jos
• Nigeria
• peacebuilding

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank peacebuilding colleagues in Jos for sharing their time and recollections in interviews. Thanks to Tetsushi Ogata for his insightful comments on a draft of the paper presented at the International Studies Association 2019 Annual Conference. We also extend our thanks to the editors of TWQ and the anonymous reviewers for thoughtful feedback that improved the quality of the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Best’s (2007) book is catalogued on WorldCat; however, it is only available at 15 locations globally: 12 American universities (11 in the US and one in Nigeria), one UK University, the Library of Congress and the British Library.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Reina C. Neufeldt

Reina Neufeldt is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on ethics and peacebuilding, and she has more than 18 years of experience working with organisations on peacebuilding design, monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Mary Lou Klassen

Mary Lou Klassen is a Doctoral Candidate in Human Relationships and Adjunct Faculty in Global Citizenship at Martin Luther University College/Wilfrid Laurier University. She has 16 years of development and peace-building work in Central and West Africa.

John Danboyi

John Danboyi holds an MSc in Conflict Management and Peace Studies and is a consultant and practitioner in peacebuilding, community development, monitoring and evaluation. He is currently the Coordinator, Peace Training Centre (PTC) Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Jessica Dyck

Jessica Dyck graduated with a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies from Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo in 2015. She works in Ontario, Canada, in the field of conflict transformation.

Mugu Zakka Bako

Mugu Zakka Bako is a Doctoral Candidate and Lecturer in Conflict Management and Peace Studies at the University of Jos, a Lecturer in Peace and Conflict at St. Agustine’s Major Seminary and a consultant and peace practitioner in Nigeria.