Practicum Summary:

Upsurge in Criminal Activities in Nigeria

Patricia Michael’s research practicum examines three peace-building initiatives that were implemented to reduce social tensions and crises, improve relationships, reduce poverty, and sustain peace in the Kwale community of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the contribution of the peace-building programs, and determine the reasons behind the increase in criminal activity in spite of these peace building initiatives. Using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods including questionnaires, individual interviews, review of the peace initiative documents, and person observation, Patricia determined that the EU-MPP3 peace initiatives achieved its initial objectives, but other programs such as the USAID CALM program were terminated due to a lack of funding and the electoral violence in 2007. Therefore, the USAID CALM project was unable to succeed in its peace-building goals. In addition, Patricia’s research concluded that the increased rate of criminal activity was a result of irresponsible and insensitive leadership, bad governance, and unemployment, greed on the part of the youth, poor upbringing, and poverty. Michael recommends life and technical skills training programs for youth so that they may access jobs in the oil industry, inclusion of compulsory peace education in schools, and off-farm trainings.