Role of Adult Education in Conflict Resolution for Rural Development in Abia State

Abstract

Adult education is a systematic and self-educating activity which aims at gaining new forms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values, or any form of education ( formal, informal or non-formal) given to adults based on their felt- social, economic, political and cultural needs to enable them adjust fully to life changes. From adult education perspective, conflict resolution is the process involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of disagreement and retribution among individuals which invariably leads to rural development. In Nigeria, a critical assessment of rural development shows a gross mismatch between the lines of ideal and reality in spite of numerous contributions of the government and support of organizations. Nigeria is yet to achieve the desired expectations as clamored by her citizens which is observably seen in high rate of poverty, insurgency, militancy and communal crisis. The paper examined the move towards the role of adult education in conflict resolution in achieving peace to cause rural development in Abia state as it concerns reshaping spaces in agriculture, economy, and education, fighting hunger, politics, security, health and social aspect of human endeavor. Last year, the world cost of violence was about $14.3 trillion. One can look forward to a more equal and sustainable world if there are more peaceful and inclusive societies. The researcher recommended among others that the government should engage adult education experts to design programmes that will enlighten people on the importance of peace and unity for rural development.