The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has called for a collaborative approach to address the socio-economic root causes of conflict in the region.

According to PIND’s policy brief and analysis of Peace Map data, over 800 fatalities have been recorded in the Niger Delta between January 2014 and December 2024 due to communal conflicts.

The organisation recently convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to address the growing concern of communal conflicts on agricultural investments in the region.

These conflicts, often rooted in land ownership, access, and usage disputes, have resulted in loss of life and property, disruptions to livelihoods, food security, and investor confidence.

The roundtable brought together representatives from government agencies, the private sector, farmer and herder groups, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, peacebuilding actors, and development partners to examine the impact of communal conflicts on agricultural investment and productivity.

During the discussion, which highlighted the significance of land in the Niger Delta, holding deep economic, cultural, and political value, and how disputes over land ownership and access can become flashpoints for violence, participants noted that communal conflicts create instability and uncertainty, discouraging agricultural investors and stalling economic development.

Some of the participants pointed out that weak land governance, population growth, climate change, youth unemployment, urban encroachment, insecurity, and inadequate dispute resolution mechanisms were identified as key drivers of these conflicts.

However, the organization in a communiqué issued at the end of a roundtable discussion called for the need for peacebuilding efforts to focus on resolving land-related disputes, which are a major driver of conflict in the region.

To achieve this, they recommended that agribusinesses conduct Conflict Sensitivity Analyses and apply the “Do No Harm” principle, ensuring community engagement from project inception through implementation.

The organisation also advocated for the utilization of platforms such as PIND’s Peace Map for timely conflict tracking and informed, preventive action.

Furthermore, they suggested that the National Assembly should fast-track legislation to control the spread of small arms and light weapons in rural and conflict-prone areas.

The organisation also recommends promoting conflict-sensitive journalism through capacity building for media professionals, encouraging responsible, accurate, and solutions-oriented reporting.