Kaduna state multitype conflicts and the peacebuilding activities: functions, strategies, impacts, and challenges of civil society organisations

This study examines the multifaceted landscape of peacebuilding activities within Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, focusing on the functions, strategies, impacts, and challenges faced by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in their peacebuilding endeavours. The peacebuilding process is complex and multifaceted, encompassing diverse mechanisms and stages that aim to transform conflicts into enduring and harmonious relationships. CSOs play a pivotal role in this process by engaging in steps to reshape relationships among religious and interethnic groups, a particularly vital undertaking given Nigeria's historical context, where CSOs have actively supported sustainable peace. The study adopted a qualitative approach and employed qualitative analysis to explore the peacebuilding dynamics in four communities across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State: Ungwar Yero in Kaduna North, Doka in Kachia LGA, Kajuru in Kaduna South LGA, and Chikun in Kaduna Central LGA. The research employed a combination of historical, descriptive, and analytical methods, utilising primary data from unstructured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), complemented by secondary data from various sources, including journals, books, newspapers, and archival materials. It applied Structural Functionalist and Peacebuilding theories as guiding frameworks. The study revealed that CSOs employed evidence-based research, town hall meetings, advocacy, education, positive engagement, empowerment, trauma healing, and the establishment of management information systems for early warning and response. Collaboration with security personnel, such as the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NCDC), and swift action on early warning information are highlighted as effective strategies for mitigating risks. The findings of this study revealed that challenges persist. Funding emerged as a significant hurdle, compounded by misalignment between CSOs' objectives and strategies. Insecurity poses a threat to peacebuilding efforts. The study recommended prioritising trust-building, enhancing CSOs' internal capacity, and fostering collaborative efforts among CSOs to maximise impact with limited resources. Recognising the critical role of funding, the study advocated for concerted efforts to secure financial support for sustained peacebuilding initiatives in Kaduna state