Communal conflict resolution strategies and rural development in Cross River North Senatorial District of Nigeria

This study examined communal conflict resolution strategies and rural development in the Cross River North Senatorial District of Nigeria, comprising Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala Local Government Areas. The district has experienced persistent intra- and inter-communal conflicts that have significantly impeded rural development. The study argues that the continued occurrence of these conflicts is largely attributable to the inadequate application of effective conflict resolution strategies. It therefore investigated the roles of mediation, negotiation, and compromise as conflict resolution strategies, using the Realistic Group Conflict Theory and Social Identity Theory as its theoretical frameworks. An ex post facto research design was adopted to examine the effects of past communal conflicts. A sample of 400 respondents was selected using Taro Yamane's sample size determination formula, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to determine the relationships between the conflict resolution strategies and rural development. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between mediation, negotiation, compromise, and rural development, leading to the rejection of all three null hypotheses. The study concludes that effective application of these conflict resolution strategies is essential for promoting sustainable rural development in the district. It recommends timely intervention by neutral third parties, particularly government agencies and security institutions, to mediate disputes before they escalate. It also emphasizes the importance of dialogue-based negotiation and encourages individuals and communities to embrace compromise as a practical means of resolving disputes, fostering peaceful coexistence, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable rural development.