COMMUNITY CONFLICT, PEACEBUILDING, AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN PROMOTING SOCIAL COHESION IN RIVERS STATE

This study examines community conflict, peacebuilding, and the role of social workers in promoting social cohesion in Rivers State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the major drivers and patterns of community conflict, assess the effects of conflict on peacebuilding and social cohesion, and explore how social work interventions contribute to mitigating conflicts and fostering community harmony. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using secondary sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and institutional assessments. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, enabling the identification of patterns, relationships, and gaps in existing knowledge. The study is anchored on the Social Capital Theory (Putnam, 2000), which assumes that trust, social networks, and civic engagement are critical resources for collective action, cooperation, and social cohesion. Findings indicate that land disputes, leadership crises, youth violence, and resource-based tensions are the predominant drivers of community conflict in Rivers State, leading to displacement, disruption of livelihoods, weakened trust, and reduced collective action. Social work interventions such as mediation, community empowerment, psychosocial support, and access to social welfare services were found to strengthen social cohesion, restore trust, and enhance community resilience. The study concludes that sustainable peacebuilding in Rivers State requires integrated strategies that combine conflict resolution, social support, and community empowerment. It recommends the institutionalization of mediation structures, promotion of community participation, provision of psychosocial services, and integration of social welfare programs to foster lasting social cohesion and development.