Abstract

This study explored the strategies for resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in farming communities of Rivers State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select three (3) out of the five (5) areas affected by displacement. Sixty five respondents were selected using a snow-ball technique from each of the 3 selected areas to give a total sample size of one hundred and ninety- five (195) respondents. Data for the study were collected with the aid of an interview schedule and analyzed with the use of frequency, percentage, and mean. The main causes of displacement expressed by the respondents include: boundary clashes with neighbouring community (mean = 3.45), lingering community leadership tussles (mean = 3.28), armed cult attacks and activities (mean = 2.68). The resettlement needs of the displaced persons include: relief food supplies on return for at least 6 months (mean = 3.46), provision of tools and implements for bush clearing in abandoned homes (mean = 3.35), reconstruction and rebuilding of houses destroyed during displacement (mean = 3.18). Strategies for resettlement of displaced persons in the study area include: distribution of resettlement start-up packages (mean = 3.60), assessment and declaration of safe areas for resettlement (mean = 3.46), need and situation analysis of returnees (mean = 3.33). Governments, non-governmental organizations should increase effort in properly identifying displaced persons, raising awareness to their plight, and facilitating the work of protection and assistance for IDPs.

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