Internal Displacement and Community Resilience: Rebuilding Trust and Cohesion in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Internal displacement has become a significant global challenge, affecting millions worldwide. In Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, internal displacement due to communal conflicts, resource-based disputes, and natural disasters has disrupted traditional social structures and relationships. This study explores the impact of internal displacement on social cohesion in Benue State, focusing on trust, social networks, cooperation, and shared values among displaced populations and host communities. This study aims to provide insights into the dynamics of displacement and the pathways to restoring social cohesion in affected areas. Internal displacement is a critical issue that poses significant social, economic, and humanitarian challenges globally, with Nigeria being one of the most affected countries. In Benue State, internal displacement is primarily driven by communal conflicts, resource-based disputes, and natural disasters, leading to the disruption of traditional social structures and relationships. This seminar study investigates the impact of internal displacement on social cohesion in Benue State, focusing on key dimensions such as trust, social networks, cooperation, and shared values among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities.