Gaps in knowledge about local peacebuilding: a study in deficiency from Jos,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The emphasis on local or hybrid efforts in peacebuilding literature brings front and centre the importance of being rooted within a particular context, with leadership and vision for social change and justice proffered by local actors. This is the same emphasis found in development literature and a necessary foundation for transformation. Scholars and practitioners nevertheless also note a role for outsiders in supporting local efforts (eg Lederach in 2005). Yet a significant challenge arises for outsiders, and to some extent local actors: how do you know what was tried or is underway that you might support or from which you might learn? This paper reports findings from a collaborative research project that examined the gap between the practice of peacebuilding locally and internationally available ‘knowledge’ via publications produced on local peacebuilding in Jos, Nigeria, between 2001 and 2008. It identifies a staggering gap between efforts and knowledge in the form of publications. The paper discusses the implications of the findings in terms of what it means for outsiders when thinking about helping resource local transformation efforts.     

Planning institutions as gatekeepers in housing production in Lagos,Nigeria

In every phase of housing production, there are certain “gatekeepers” that constrain access to housing resources. This article argues that the activities of physical planning institutions constrain access to residential building permits in Lagos, Nigeria. From May 2013 to May 2014, 7,281 residential structures were served with contravention notices while only 1,380 applications for residential building plans were approved in 2013. This figure is negligible in relation to the population of Lagos and its housing needs. There is therefore a need to review the criteria for granting residential building permits to encourage participation from the informal private sector.