COPING MECHANISMS AND RESILIENCE STRATEGIES AMONG COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BYBANDITRY IN DONGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
-
1STEPHEN TUNO MAMMAN
-
DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.16727310
- 1DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI
Banditry poses a severe threat to communities
in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State, disrupting livelihoods and
security. This study investigates the coping mechanisms and resilience
strategies these communities employ to withstand and respond to ongoing bandit
attacks. Using Crisis Leadership Theory as a framework, the research objectives
were to (i) identify coping mechanisms, (ii) examine resilience strategies, and
(iii) explore challenges faced in their implementation. A qualitative design
was adopted, involving in-depth interviews with nine purposively selected
participants, including traditional leaders, farmers, local officials, and NGO
members. Thematic analysis revealed that communities adapt by altering farming
patterns, forming neighborhood watch groups, establishing communication
networks, and collaborating with local authorities to create rapid response
teams. Resilience is fostered through community cohesion, social capital,
peace-building initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. Despite
these efforts and some external support, challenges such as limited trust in
authorities, scarce resources, and the complexity of banditry hinder full
effectiveness. The study underscores the critical role of local leadership and
collective action within the Crisis Leadership framework. It recommends
enhancing capacity-building, resource support, and trust-building measures to
strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable
peace in the region.