Why peacebuilding fails

Abstract

Why have the peacebuilding measures applied in managing farmer–herder conflicts failed to forge lasting peace in the affected communities? This chapter argues that there is a mismatch between the drivers of farmer–herder conflicts and the peacebuilding interventions adopted. While the dominant perspectives characterize the conflicts as disputes over scarce environmental resources, current narratives highlight the complex and multidimensional facets of farmer–herder conflicts in Nigeria. Using a case study approach and drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted in Central Nigeria, the chapter provides a nuanced explanation of the possible reasons why peacebuilding interventions applied in farmer–herder conflict situations in Nigeria seem to be ineffective. The study found that peacebuilding mechanisms like dialogue, mediation, and the enforcement of restorative justice are still being applied, despite the changing drivers and dynamics of farmer–herder conflicts. The major reasons for the apparent failure of these peacebuilding interventions are inadequate conflict analysis, which is a fundamental requirement for the design of peacebuilding interventions and the non-involvement of the beneficiaries of peacebuilding programmes; the lack of evaluation of and follow-up on peacebuilding interventions; lack of trust in the peace process; the entrenchment of further divisions and disenfranchisement; and the application of inappropriate or inadequate peacebuilding measures.