An Assessment of the Effects of Communal Conflicts on Production and Income Levels of People Living in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study has examined the effects of communal conflicts on rural economic activities in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba state. The study aimed to assess the effects of communal conflicts on rural development in Takum and Ussa LGAs, whose aims have been achieved through these objectives (i) To document the rate of damages to lives and residential segregation (ii) To identify the causes of the crisis (iii) To assess the effects on production and income levels of the rural people. In all, the worse affected areas of Takum, Rogo, Lissam and Rufu were grided  into 40 squares, 38 of which were directly on the area and in each of the grids, 10 questionnaires were randomly administered on individuals bringing the total to 380 questionnaires designed to elicit information on causes of the crisis, its effects on production and income levels of the people, the extent of residential segregation and damages to lives and property were administered to randomly selected members of the society. The study has identified the causes of crisis to include poverty, chieftaincy tussle, boundary adjustment, youth unemployment, among others. The study found that robbery, vandalism, house breaking and social segregations were perpetrated mostly by the youths and are the aftermath of the crisis which resulted from perceived feelings of marginalization, claims of unequal access to economic, social and political opportunities in the area. This crisis in the area due to its persistence and recurrent nature, has also led to damages of lives and property and decrease in people's economic activities which calls for in-depth study to the problem. Also, the study found that throughout the crisis years, there was a decline in the level of agricultural investment/yield, income levels of the people of the area, and increased the level of social and residential segregation and damages to lives and property amounting to billions of Naira. This research concluded that for any meaningful development, to take place in the area, a number of policies that will check conflicts and address the problems of the people have to be put in place by governments at all levels and even the communities. which should include; provision of basic social amenities, provision of job opportunities, the establishment of skills acquisition centers and the implementation of the various committee reports set up at different times to look into the crisis. These measures, the study posits will bring about lasting peace that will guarantee progress and development of the people and their economy.