Abo Mkpang Workshop

(SEE PHOTO ALBUM LINK TO THE RIGHT)
Approximately 30 community members and a few representatives of the national park service attended a three day workshop designed to train local leadership in facilitation and conflict management. The goal was also to identify some of specific “conflict issues” concerning natural resource management, but lack of enthusiasm and participation from the park services reps limited the dialogue. From what I understand, the community essentially feels that the national park service is hindering the development and prosperity of the local communities in order to preserve and protect the elephants and Gorillas (did not see any).

The actual workshop was held in a village called Abo Mkpang, and included residents from the neighboring villages of Abu Obiso and Bombabe. This was by far the most tropical place I have ever been, and also included the worse road I have ever been on. It was amazing to see an actual canopy from the tree line. Most of the crops produced include cassava, cocoa, and plantain which are all sold locally.

Although my colleague Danjuma and I did not spend the night in the village, I am happy to report that I recall ever having so many bug bites.

In terms of the experiencing a training program in conflict management and facilitation in a rural village – I was a little surprised how similar it was to workshop one would attend in the U.S. Of course there are a little cultural exceptions, but for the most part the implementation and concepts are very similar if not the exact same.

Thank you all for writing me, and appreciate all of your comments/observations.

Miss you, Mark

ps it was nice to see another perspective on conflict in Nigeria other than the “oil issues and the youdth”, but I am happy to be back in PH.