NATURE AND SCOPE OF INTERVENTIONS IN POST-CONFLICT ODI

Abstract

This paper examines how post-conflict interventions were carried out in Odi Community of Bayelsa State. Conflict broke out in 1999 in Odi Community as a result of deprivation and struggles for resource control and environmental sustainability. This led to the military intervention which further exacerbated the crisis. The study is hinged on the Frustration-Aggression theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw participants for the study. A total of one hundred and one respondents were used for the study. Questionnaires were administered and interviews was conducted with residents Odi community, including Chiefs, Community Development Committee (CDC) members, women, youths and religious leaders. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. This study employed a mixed survey method using questionnaires and in-depth Interviews, official documents, and non-participant observation as methods of data collection. Quantitative data gotten from the administration of Questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages; the results presented in tables and charts. The result showed that the federal Government, the Bayelsa State Government, the Local Government area and local populations have intervened in provision of infrastructural facilities in Odi Community. There was paucity of interventions by local and International NGOs, multinational oil companies, civil societies and Faith based organization in Odi Community, moreso, the post-conflict interventions in infrastructure by Government at all levels seems to be inadequate as the residents still yearn for more basic amenities which they provide for themselves. The interventions have not focused on Agriculture, skills acquisition and job creation for youths which is capable of addressing the socio-economic challenges in post-conflict Odi Community.