Decolonizing Peacebuilding Research in Africa through Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Experience of Igbo-Speaking Group of Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria (chapter in "Decolonizing Peace and Conflict Studies through Indigenous Research")
Publisher: Springer
Author(s): Ferbinand O. Ottoh
Date: 2022
Topics: Conflict Causes, Conflict Prevention, Cooperation, Dispute Resolution/Mediation, Extractive Resources, Peace Agreements
Countries: Nigeria
This chapter examines the decolonization of peacebuilding research in Africa through Indigenous knowledge systems using the Igbo-speaking group of the Niger-Delta region, Nigeria as a case study. The region has been confronted with different conflicts ranging from the struggle over control of oil resources to chieftaincy squabble among groups. The chapter argues that the use of Indigenous traditional mechanisms in this regard has provided conditions for order, healing, reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, harmony, and cooperation among groups in the region. The objectives of the study are: to evaluate the traditional institutional mechanisms, principles, and practices used for resolving these lingering conflicts; to examine Western dominance in peace and conflict research; and to interrogate why Western approaches proved inefficacious in resolving these conflicts.