Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The study examines socio-political conflicts and coping strategies of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some selected communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It describes the challenges faced by IDPs, identifies the coping strategies adopted by the IDPs; unravels measures so far adopted towards mitigating the challenges faced by the IDPs and provides well-informed suggestions based on the research finding on measures that will improve the condition of IDPs in the study area. Relevant literature were reviewed in line with the research objectives. The Human Needs theory of Abraham Maslow was adopted for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to conduct a comprehensive analysis. The data collected revealed that, the lack of food, savings, loss of incoming generating activities and disruption of children’s education were the major challenges facing IDPs in the study area. Furthermore, the findings indicated that most IDPs in the study area resorted to consuming less food, limiting spending especially on luxurious goods and services, working for more hours and or taking children out of school to either ease the financial pressure of being displaced or support the family by working; spending savings and selling assets such as agricultural land, livestock, stored crop and other valuable possession at their disposal in order to make ends meet. In addition, they relied heavily on material and financial assistance from relatives, friends, and religious-based organisations in host communities in the course of their displacement.