The Building Bridges for Peace project, implemented by the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) with the support of Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law, is a study project that employed the Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) initiative focused on analysing violent conflicts in Riyom LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. Utilising a systems analysis approach, the study explored the key driving factors (KDFs) contributing to the persistence of farmer-herder conflicts and other forms of violence in Riyom, Nigeria, and examined the potential of intergenerational storytelling, joint farming initiatives, exchange visits, and inter-community dialogues to foster peace and reconciliation. CPAR report found here
Through a qualitative approach, this evaluation identified several outcomes: a reduction in violent incidents and farm- and grazing-related conflicts, the promotion of socio-economic impacts and livelihood enhancement, improved community dialogue and community-driven accountability mechanisms, increased youth involvement in peacebuilding, greater access to land for farming and grazing, and more open communities through exchange visits.
The evaluation recommended improving coordination and collaboration between the government, traditional authorities, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders to address the KDFs through regular check-in sessions and the establishment of clear communication channels. Other recommendations included enhancing community-level dialogue, mediation, and engagement; addressing illicit drug circulation and abuse through state action and awareness programs; engaging young people and children as collaborators for peace; increasing government intervention in rural communities; prioritising women’s involvement in peace processes; addressing arms buildup and promoting voluntary disarmament over forceful confiscation; implementing inclusive resettlement interventions; and integrating economic empowerment into peace interventions.