Developing an inclusive research network to co-design livelihood recovery measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Management
Abstract
In Nigeria, conflict triggers are multi-faceted, often overlap, and foster within a weakened web of fragile cultures and institutions. These conflicts take the form of pastoralists' vs farmers' clashes; ethnopolitical superiority and land disputes between tribes, e.g., the Jukuns and the Tivs; struggle for governmental and political representation between people of Christian and Islamic faiths; and activities of militant Islamist groups. Consequently, there are over 2.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria (IDMC, 2021). The management of IDPs is further challenged by resource availability and the poor understanding of IDPs' livelihood recovery needs.
This project seeks to develop a research network to work collaboratively and answer an overarching question: how can an innovative combination of livelihood studies, storytelling using participatory drama and risk management contribute to the inclusive development of culturally informed livelihood recovery measures for IDPs in Nigeria? The network combines an interdisciplinary core team and guest speakers within AHRC remit. The network will explore local cultures and communities through art-based methods to improve understanding of interconnecting conflict triggers and the intersection with livelihoods, and how these are layered and play out across time and in different contexts. The network also seeks to explore the use of participatory drama to provoke community-based discourse on the plight of IDPs, and how the concept of risk management can help mitigate vulnerabilities in the development of culturally-informed government policies on IDPs. The network addresses the cross-cutting themes of (1) conflict, (2) poverty and inequalities, and (3) displacement; and will contribute to the discourse and application of arts-based methods for the attainment of SDG 16 and the UN International Year of Peace and Trust commitments. Furthermore, the UNDP and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) have collaborated with the Nigerian Government to implement a joint protection and recovery strategy for North-East Nigeria. The network is well suited to this context and the choice of study domain, i.e., Taraba State (being a North-East state in Nigeria with one of the largest IDPs) is timely. The commitment of the Taraba State Government (TSG) to this project also promises collaborative and tangible outcomes.
Three activities were, co-developed by the network. For the first activity, monthly meetings between the core team will be organised to facilitate exchange of experiences. This will culminate into a series of 6 knowledge exchange public webinars, discussing triggers of conflict, the impact on livelihoods and the potentials of the performing arts to make visible the plights of IDPs. We will then run a series of workshops with IDPs in Taraba State which will explore the potentials of participatory drama to make visible the stories of IDPs and provoke discourse. The third activity will involve the co-development of a culturally informed IDPs' livelihood recovery policy framework with key stakeholders in a two-day workshop and using a risk-based approach to explore policy approaches with the TSG.
The network will produce evidence-based collaborative partnership for the application of performing arts-based methods in the attainment of developmental goals, including improving visibility to the IDP plights and facilitating the co-design of livelihoods recovery policies. Using the UNHCR and UNDP members of the network, we will also explore how the performing arts-based approach can be used in other contexts in West/Central African countries.
This project seeks to develop a research network to work collaboratively and answer an overarching question: how can an innovative combination of livelihood studies, storytelling using participatory drama and risk management contribute to the inclusive development of culturally informed livelihood recovery measures for IDPs in Nigeria? The network combines an interdisciplinary core team and guest speakers within AHRC remit. The network will explore local cultures and communities through art-based methods to improve understanding of interconnecting conflict triggers and the intersection with livelihoods, and how these are layered and play out across time and in different contexts. The network also seeks to explore the use of participatory drama to provoke community-based discourse on the plight of IDPs, and how the concept of risk management can help mitigate vulnerabilities in the development of culturally-informed government policies on IDPs. The network addresses the cross-cutting themes of (1) conflict, (2) poverty and inequalities, and (3) displacement; and will contribute to the discourse and application of arts-based methods for the attainment of SDG 16 and the UN International Year of Peace and Trust commitments. Furthermore, the UNDP and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) have collaborated with the Nigerian Government to implement a joint protection and recovery strategy for North-East Nigeria. The network is well suited to this context and the choice of study domain, i.e., Taraba State (being a North-East state in Nigeria with one of the largest IDPs) is timely. The commitment of the Taraba State Government (TSG) to this project also promises collaborative and tangible outcomes.
Three activities were, co-developed by the network. For the first activity, monthly meetings between the core team will be organised to facilitate exchange of experiences. This will culminate into a series of 6 knowledge exchange public webinars, discussing triggers of conflict, the impact on livelihoods and the potentials of the performing arts to make visible the plights of IDPs. We will then run a series of workshops with IDPs in Taraba State which will explore the potentials of participatory drama to make visible the stories of IDPs and provoke discourse. The third activity will involve the co-development of a culturally informed IDPs' livelihood recovery policy framework with key stakeholders in a two-day workshop and using a risk-based approach to explore policy approaches with the TSG.
The network will produce evidence-based collaborative partnership for the application of performing arts-based methods in the attainment of developmental goals, including improving visibility to the IDP plights and facilitating the co-design of livelihoods recovery policies. Using the UNHCR and UNDP members of the network, we will also explore how the performing arts-based approach can be used in other contexts in West/Central African countries.
Related Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH/W00979X/1 | 14/02/2022 | 11/12/2022 | £51,517 | ||
| AH/W00979X/2 | Transfer | AH/W00979X/1 | 12/12/2022 | 31/10/2023 | £20,579 |
| Description | A number of findings were made from the project objectives and fieldwork that was undertaken in Nigeria. We have reported some of these in the V1 of the funding, but also summarised them here Our findings relate to the 3 key perspectives below which were also discussed with the wider network to expand the areas of research. 1 Our experience of the fieldwork. (a) We discovered unique contexts related to the role of community gatekeepers in the provision of research access to the IDPs, allowing for conversation to be hard and sometimes present a dominant/ imposing voice that needs to be carefully managed. (b) The scale of decay in the social systems that govern IDP issues. This includes the diversion of resources allocated to IDPs, the existence of vested interest of officials who want the issue to continue as they benefit from it, and reports of third-sector organizations also involved in unethical and corrupt practices We developed policy recommendations based on these findings. (c) We also reported the scale of the problem which provides an opportunity for further research and support and national and international levels. There are over 100,000 IDPs in and around Abuja- our study location, and over 2.4m across Nigeria. Displacement is mainly due to inter-communal violence, and the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of IDPs in the camps including issues related to: Protection, security, crime and conflict with the laws Housing and shelter (2nd order displacement) Livelihood support including access to education and vocational training, job opportunities, and financial support Health and nutrition including access to basic health services, clean water and sanitation, and nutritional Psychosocial related to emotional and psychological effects of displacement. Coordination and safeguarding issues 2. Methodological contributions: Our method involves the use of Playback Theatre- a participatory performance methodology that involves creating a live, improvised theatrical performance based on personal stories shared by members of a community (Gonzalez et al., 2022). Our approach involved: -Story collection: sharing their personal stories, including narratives, songs, or dance. -IDPs performance preparation: The collected stories are used to prepare a performance by the IDPs themselves. -Performances: Across 4 public spaces including markets, and IDP camps. The IDPs use movement, dialogue, and music to bring the stories to life. -Reflection and discussion: After the performance, the audience and the IDPs are invited to reflect on the stories and the themes that emerged during the performance. Consequently, we reported key benefits of our methodological approach which include: -Engagement and participation: providing a platform for IDPs to actively participate in the research process and share their experiences in a meaningful way. -Understanding and empathy: we (the research team) and the public gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of IDPs and build empathy for their situation. -Empowerment and voice: allow IDPs to express themselves and their experiences, giving them a voice and a sense of empowerment. The method also allowed them to (1) clearly able to map out a pathway out of the IDP camps and towards sustainable livelihoods. (2) participants reported empowerment due to the approach -Exploration of sensitive issues: provided us with a way to explore sensitive and difficult topics, allowing for more nuanced and in-depth discussions. -Impactful representation: IDPs themselves provided a powerful and impactful representation of the experiences and provoked community discourse and advocacy work. 3. Impact of displacement on livelihoods: Through our work, we were able to thematically identify the impact and issues related to displacement and conflict intersection. As summarized below. We used these thematic findings in the development of our policy briefs which will be used during our engagement with policymakers in the next fieldwork in Nigeria -IDP identity (not registered nor officially recognised as an IDP) -A sense of lost time (up to 10 years of displacement) -Loss of livelihoods from displacement -Loss of breadwinner -Loss of ability to live life on own terms (dependent) -Stigmatised by the host community -Loss of educational opportunities -Difficulty in building savings -Lack of support (credit, government) -Lack of income/credit source to meet daily needs -No/poor access to health care for women and children -No/poor access to good sanitation -Gendered roles- as society defines what I can/not do -Youth engagement in social vices (drugs, prostitution) -Food insecurity -Poverty. The final objective of the project provided us with the opportunity to deliver tangible outcomes with the potential of policy implications which was achieved in two folds. The first involved a policy advocacy workshop. Present at the policy and advocacy workshop were representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Human Rights Commission, Action Aid, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, just to mention a few. These organisations and agencies were invited because they play a critical role in the humanitarian sector, working directly with IDPs in Nigeria. Conversations held during the workshop beamed the searchlight of how IDPs in Nigeria can attain sustainable livelihood recovery measures amidst challenges such as access to land and the recurrent problem of displacement from resettled communities. Secondly, we had the opportunity to hold wrong table discussion with two Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, presenting the evidenced-based policy briefs draft from the project |
| Exploitation Route | Our findings revealed the scale of IDPs problems in Nigeria which can be explored further from the perspectives of: -Protection, security, crime and conflict with the laws -Housing and shelter (2nd order displacement) -Livelihood support including access to education and vocational training, job opportunities, and financial support -Health and nutrition including access to basic health services, clean water and sanitation, and nutritional -Psychosocial related to emotional and psychological effects of displacement. -Coordination and safeguarding issues. Our methodological arts-based storytelling approach can also be used in other conflict-related research. We have submitted a grant application to the UKRI based on this to focus on developing self-sustaining arts-based clusters for gender empowerment within IDP communities in Nigeria. The clusters will serve as platforms for developing culturally sensitive capabilities for GBV prevention, response and recovery |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Government Democracy and Justice Culture Heritage Museums and Collections Security and Diplomacy |
| Description | Research Impact Through the public performance that took place in 2022, the team have generated and provoked ongoing community discourse on the plight of the IDPs. The team have created an active network of CSOs and members of the press to advocate for governmental and non-governmental interventions. Provoking ongoing community discourse on the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has a significant impact on their situation. Through our work, we have been able to develop a sustained conversation about the challenges and needs of IDPs within a community. This has resulted in the propagation of awareness and helped to build empathy for the struggles faced by IDPs. This, in turn, can lead to increased support for programs and policies aimed at helping IDPs. Additionally, through the network of members of the press and community activists, the team ensured that there is an ongoing discourse to keep the issues of IDPs at the forefront of the public's attention. We anticipate that this will encourage policymakers and other stakeholders to prioritize the needs of IDPs and take action to address their challenges. Furthermore, by creating a platform for the voices of IDPs to be heard, our work has empowered IDPs to advocate for themselves and helped to ensure that their concerns and perspectives are taken into account when decisions are being made that affect their lives. This ensured an increase in their agency and ability to influence decision-making processes that affect their lives. Our approach provided the IDPs with a platform that promoted a more inclusive and participatory decision-making process and can also help to ensure that the specific needs of IDPs are being addressed. Our IDP participants reported an increase in their confidence and resilience. By speaking up and asserting their rights using participatory drama, the IDPs developed a sense of agency and control over their lives, which is particularly important given the challenges and traumas that they have experienced. Through storytelling and self-reflection, the participants also report empowerment in the form of a sustainable and self-reliant approach to addressing their needs and developing sustainable livelihoods. The final milestone of the project focused on policy advocacy and the development of policy propositions and framework of interventions. This ensured that the impact of the research transcends to professional practices and political decision-making that is beneficial to the IDPs. By presenting the policy briefs to prominent senators and discussing policy recommendations with key stakeholder organisations, we seized a unique opportunity to advocate for tangible improvements in the livelihoods of IDPs. This direct engagement increases the likelihood of influencing future policy decisions that can positively impact the lives of those affected. Placing our well-researched briefs into the hands of legislators positions our recommendations for the recovery of IDP livelihoods for serious consideration during legislative processes. This can potentially lead to the formulation of policies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by the displaced population. The events also served as a platform for raising awareness among key decision-makers about the complexities and nuances of the challenges faced by IDPs. This heightened awareness is crucial for fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Engaging with influential stakeholder also creates an opportunity for future collaborations and partnerships. Building relationships with key figures in the political landscape can open doors for continued dialogue, collaboration, and the sustained promotion of policies geared towards the recovery of IDP livelihoods. Finally, the presentation serves as a catalyst for change by putting forth actionable strategies. It transforms our research findings into potential solutions that can be implemented at the policy level, fostering a positive impact on the lives of IDPs |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Security and Diplomacy |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |
| Description | Conference attendance and presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | At the APM Conference on Governance and Sustainable Development, we had the opportunity to showcase our research through a presentation focused on the effective utilization of participatory drama as a dynamic tool for stakeholder engagement in development projects. Our paper showed the innovative ways in which participatory drama can be employed to foster meaningful interactions and collaboration within the stakeholder community. As a concrete illustration of our approach's impact, we shared a specific case study during the presentation. The experience not only provided the participants with firsthand exposure to our projects but also served as a catalyst for stimulating curiosity, as evidenced by the subsequent surge in questions and discussions among the participants. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | In Person networking event- Inclusive development of livelihood recovery measures for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In this event we will reflect on recent fieldwork in Abuja, Nigeria, discussing our experiences, methodology, and initial findings. The event allows local academics and practitioners in Nigeria to have an insight into the art-based approach used in the project and how this can be continuously used to support the IDPs' recovery in Nigeria. The participants gained insight into taking a non-governmental self-reliant approach to support IDP livelihood recovery capital. The event was scheduled as follows: Workshop Agenda 9.30am to 10.00am: Arrivals and networking. Hot drinks will be served 10.00am to 10.45am: A hybrid conversation with in-person attendees and Nigerian partners about the journey of the project thus far. 10.45am to 11:00: Tea break 11.00am to 12pm: Our method, experience and initial findings: an exploration of intersections. 12pm to 1pm: Lunch break and networking 1pm to 2pm: Exploration of our risk-based approach to policy proposition |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Presentation of policy briefs to high-level stakeholders in Nigeria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The Presentation of policy briefs to high-level stakeholders in Nigeria represents a significant milestone that was achieved when we had the privilege of presenting not one but two well-researched and meticulously crafted policy briefs. These policy briefs were specifically focused on outlining strategies for the recovery of livelihoods among internally displaced persons (IDPs). The distinguished recipients of these policy briefs were two prominent Nigerian senators who play vital roles in shaping legislation and policy decisions in the country. This presentation marked a crucial moment in our efforts to advocate for the improvement of IDP livelihoods, as it allowed us to directly engage with key policymakers and influencers within the Nigerian political landscape. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.idpresearchnetwork.com/event-details/presentation-of-policy-briefs-to-high-level-stakeho... |
| Description | Stakeholder Engagement for Policy Advocacy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Discussions held during the workshop shed light on the ways in which internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria can achieve sustainable recovery of their livelihoods despite challenges like acquiring land and the recurring issue of being displaced from resettled communities. A prominent recommendation stemming from the workshop underscored the importance of avoiding a superficial approach when providing assistance and support to IDPs in Nigeria. Such an approach may inadvertently foster dependency and discourage self-sufficiency among IDPs. Consequently, both the Nigerian government and local and international organizations should adopt a skill-centered approach in their interventions to stimulate the creativity and innovation of IDPs. Through its methodology, which emphasizes meaningful collaboration among stakeholders and amplification of IDPs' voices, the project contributes to advocacy efforts and facilitates the dissemination of evidence-based solutions to policymakers and the wider community. Through the active involvement of key stakeholders, the project not only ensures that the voices of the IDPs are heard but also facilitates the co-design of tailored livelihood recovery measures that resonate with the unique challenges of each community. The project's methodology serves as a conduit for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and the dissemination of evidence-based solutions, aiming to uplift and empower the displaced population in Nigeria. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.idpresearchnetwork.com/event-details/stakeholder-engagement-for-policy-advocacy |
| Description | Taraba State University Workshop on Developing Participatory Arts Approach for iIDPs Livelihood Recovery and Resilience |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The workshop was organised because of the continued rise and prolonged stay of Internally Displaced Persons in camps in North-eastern Nigeria, Taraba State inclusive. The workshop was organised for 50 participants, started with preliminary discussions where participants who comprised both staff and students of Taraba State University were briefed on the mission and vision of the project and the need for collaborative artist-based research methodology in tackling the lingering cases of prolonged and unnecessary stay of Internally Displaced Persons on camps across Nigeria, especially the North-Eastern Region. The preliminary discussions were anchored by Prof. Talla Garka. The core impact of the workshop was mainly from the discussions and propositions presented. For instance, a participant suggested that one of the ways to resolve the prolonged stay in IDP camps across the country is to establish legislation that "no IDP should stay in camp more than four years". According to the participant, if such legislation is enacted it will resolve the prolonged stay of IDPs in camps and would also address the issue of embezzlement of funds meant or channelled to address perculiar needs of the IDPs. Another participant also observed that the number of IDP camps and IDPs in Nigeria will continue to increase until a lasting solution is provided on how to mitigate the incessant conflict that occurs across the country. According to him, if there were no conflicts, there would be no IDPs. Hence, he suggested that as academics are looking for an artist-based approach to IDP livelihood recovery and resilience, they should at the same time carry out research on ways to avert cases of conflict across the country. Another participant in his opinion, revealed that there is a need to empower IDPs residing in camps with skills that could to sustain them and serve as a source of livelihood after exiting camps. Similarly, another participant who shares a similar sentiment with the above participant suggested that IDPs residing in camps should not be empowered with skills but skills that are in tandem with what they were doing before they were displaced. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |