Assessment of Community Relations Strategies Adopted by Select NGOs in the Management of Peace in Nasarawa State

Abstract

This study assessed the community relations strategies adopted by selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs), specifically Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and ActionAid Nigeria, in the management of peace in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Participatory Development Theory. The study used a sample of 400 respondents selected from six Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State, while six key informants comprising NGO officials, community leaders, and security stakeholders were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the major community relations strategies adopted by the selected NGOs include community dialogue, mediation, peace education, youth engagement, and stakeholder consultation, with dialogue emerging as the most frequently used strategy. The ANOVA results showed a statistically significant difference in respondents' perceptions of the effectiveness of NGO community relations strategies across the selected Local Government Areas (F = 4.127, p = .001). It also found out that their effectiveness is constrained by inadequate funding, insecurity, poor access to remote communities, and limited participation of women and youths. The study concludes that participatory community relations strategies have made meaningful contributions to peacebuilding in Nasarawa State. The study recommends increased funding for peacebuilding programmes, enhanced collaboration among NGOs, government agencies, and traditional institutions, as well as greater inclusion of women and youths in peacebuilding initiatives.