THE ROLE OF E-GOVERNANCE IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT IN WASE LGA, PLATEAU STATE. 2015-2024

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the potential of e-governance as a tool for mitigating persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research is motivated by the limitations of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, which are often characterized by delays, perceived bias, and a lack of transparency, thereby eroding trust and perpetuating cycles of violence. This study posits that e-governance, through its core principles of transparency, improved information access, and participatory engagement could offer an innovative pathway to bridge this trust deficit and facilitate more effective conflict mitigation. The study is anchored on the Network Governance theory and the Access to Information theory as its theoretical framework and employed a qualitative research design. Secondary sources of data collection from textbooks, journals papers, internet materials, and seminar and conference papers. The findings reveal a significant yearning among stakeholders for more accountable and efficient conflict resolution processes. The study perceived the potential in e-governance tools, such as mobile-based reporting systems and digital land mapping, for enabling early warning, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accountability. However, critical barriers were identified, including profound distrust in institutions, low digital literacy, inadequate telecommunication infrastructure, and concerns over the digital exclusion of vulnerable groups. The study concludes that while e-governance holds strong transformative potentials for conflict mitigation in Wase LGA, its success is critically contingent on addressing these foundational barriers. It recommends that Plateau State Ministry of Science and Technology should partner with local communities to co-design a simple SMS-based conflict reporting system and telecom providers should partner with the government to improve network infrastructure in rural Wase to provide zero-rated access to conflict management portals.