Saudi Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (SJHSS)
Volume-2 | Issue-10 | 878-885
Original Research Article
Resettlement or Livelihood Deprivation: The Travails of Victims of Gidan Salihu Resettlement Scheme Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria
DANKANI, Ibrahim Mustapha
Published : Oct. 30, 2017
Abstract
It is commonly acknowledged that Government worldwide
resettled people and communities (particularly those along river channels)
from one geographical area to another on the basis of real, perceived and
lingering threat, danger, catastrophe or epidemic. The contention of this
paper is that despite the fact that most resettlement schemes are meant for
the benefit of the community at large, the manner under which the
resettlement scheme was conceived, planned and implemented failed to
take into consideration the views/inputs of members of the community.
The resultant effect leads to loss of livelihood, tension, violence and
conflict in the affected communities and overall failure of the intended
benefit of the scheme. This paper examines resettlement scheme at Gidan
Salihu, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto state focusing on the
viability of the scheme and livelihood deprivation and challenges it places
on the victims and the community. Data for this study was obtained via
administration of questionnaire to those affected by the resettlement
scheme selected via purposive and systematic sampling techniques as
well as Focus Group Discussion with community leaders. Purposive
sampling technique was adopted in the choice of the respondents and
systematic sampling technique was used to select respondents to be
administered with questionnaire at the interval of every 6th respondents. A
total of 216 respondents were selected via systematic sampling technique.
Key findings of the study reveals that majority of those affected by the
resettlement scheme lost their farm lands, source of pasture and water for
their livestock and compelling them to resides in an unfamiliar housing
settings reflecting more of an urban setting than rural. Majority of the
victims refused to relocate to the new environment stressing that it is
better to continue to live under threat of hazard than to live in an area
which will render them economically and socially vulnerable to poverty
and hopelessness. The study concludes by recommending involvement of
community members in decisions and policies affecting the livelihood of
displaced communities.