CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVES ON INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ATTITUDES IN PRE-AND-POST INSURGENCY CONTEXTS

Introduction/Background This study explores shifts in community perceptions of international development assistance in Northeast Nigeria, comparing pre-insurgency (before 2009) attitudes with those in the post-insurgency era (2010 onward). The insurgency by non-state actors (Boko Haram) has immensely impacted the social structures, economy, and trust in external interventions, making it critical to understand how these changes affect local inhabitants' and beneficiaries' attitudes towards international development assistance. While pre-insurgency perspectives seemingly welcomed development assistance for what they are seeing on ground and the general good the IDA has been used for such as fostering infrastructure and economic growth, post-insurgency largely views the IDA with a more cautious approach and with some aura of skepticism, marked by both appreciation for immediate humanitarian relief and criticism regarding dependency and agenda alignment of international donor organizations. This study offers insights to inform more culturally responsive and sustainable aid strategies in conflict-affected areas. The research investigates the shifts in public perception toward international development efforts, aiming to provide insights for policymakers and humanitarian actors. Methodology The research employed a mix of survey-based methodology and focused group discussion (FGD) targeting the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, areas significantly affected by insurgency and where international aid receipts were utilized for various forms of interventions. Using a simple random sampling technique, data were collected from a sample of 384 respondents through structured questionnaires. Result The responses were analyzed using simple linear regression to put contrasting Perspectives on International Development Assistance in Northeast Nigeria in context and to determine if there was a shift in attitudes toward international aid in post-insurgency. The results suggest a significant shift in attitudes toward international aid post-insurgency. Pre-insurgency perceptions were predominantly positive, viewing development assistance as a resource base to improve education, healthcare and infrastructure. The work suggests that while aid in pre-insurgency is welcomed for life-saving, the post insurgency perception holds a contrasting opinion of inadequacy in long-term development planning. Conclusion Findings suggest that while the pre-insurgency attitudes were generally positive, resilience and skepticism characterize the post-insurgency response, shaped by the immediate needs and long-term distrust stemming from conflict.