AN ASSESSMENT OF PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED FAITH-BASED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN BENUE STATE

Abstract

In Benue State, there are three religious institutions (Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion) that play certain roles in the management of disasters, but the roles played by these religious bodies have been largely unexamined. This study examines the roles of chosen religious institutions in disaster management in Benue State. In doing so, the study examines how these three religious bodies namely, Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion organize care-oriented management and mitigation-oriented management approaches. The methodology adopted for this paper is basically descriptive. This is a qualitative approach. Data for the study was obtained from primary sources which include discussions and interview reports from the sample which was drawn from donors, agency staff, government personnel, local community leaders, elders, health officers and teachers, and also from secondary sources such as journal articles, textbooks, lecture notes, newspapers and academic research projects. The contents of numerous data gathered are analysed descriptively. Policy measures have been suggested for ultimate disaster management performance. The paper suggests among others that Benue State government need to incorporate religious institutions and their policies in disaster management effort in the state in order to enhance qualitative and comprehensive care services.