Education, Conflict Resolution Strategies and National Development: A Case Study of Ethiope East, Delta State, Nigeria

This study focused on how education can be used as a tool for resolving conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State in particular and Nigeria by extension. This was predicted by the spate of conflict and insecurity in the country and avoidable attacks of herdsmen on farmers resulting in not only displacement of hundreds of people and entire communities but compounding the poverty situation and the national development woes and the urgent need for proffering possible solutions. The descriptive expost facto design was adopted for the study. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study comprised all traditional leader, farmers and herdsmen in Ethiope East. The sample consist of 150 farmers (traditional leaders, opinion leaders, the elite, youths and women leaders) and 50 herdsmen (leaders of the groups within the area owners of herds and paid herders). The multi-stage sampling technique adopted. Consequently, the cluster sampling technique was used to group the people; from which were assigned to the group base of the stratified sampling technique. The accidental sampling technique was also adopted. The instrument for data collection was a 4-point rating structured in-depth interview guide developed by the researcher.200 respondents were interviewed in small groups of tens by the researcher and ten guide researcher assistants. Mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis and interpretation while t-test statistical tool was used for the test of hypotheses. Findings in the study revealed among others that: there are inherent conflicts between herdsmen and farmers as a result of perceived attack on cows by farmers on one side and attacks on farms and farmers resulting in killing of several people and sacking of entire communities on the other side complicated by lack of communication due to illiteracy and inability to speak English Language for expression. It was also revealed that education of the people through regular orientation, seminars and workshops on the need for harmonious relationship and coexistence could foster tolerance, understanding of the values of others, negotiation, dialogue and resolution of pending conflict. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that, Delta State government should as a matter of urgency set up a herdsmen/farmers’ conflict management agency and empower it to serve with all diligence, transparency and sincerity; and that government should regularly organize peace and conflict resolution seminars and workshops for farmers and herdsmen, not only in Ethiop East but across the state at large.