Socio-economic Impact of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on Host Communities in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study investigated the socio-economic impact of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on host communities in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Survey design was used for the study. The sample for the study consists of three hundred (300) respondents. The instrument used for the study was "Social and Economic impact of IDPs on the Host Community Questionnaire" (SEIIDPHCQ) made up of 20 items. The items of SEIIDPHCQ were subjected to face and content validity. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has significant Socio-Economic Impact on Host Communities. Socially, IDPs severely stretch services, worsen security, increase health risks, and disrupt local cultures. Economically, while IDPs can boost local markets, the prevailing view is that they displaced opportunities, drive up prices, and deprive communities of vital resources. It is therefore recommended that Government should construct dedicated settlements to relocate IDPs and reduce pressure on host communities; Government and NGOs should support the voluntary return of IDPs to their places of origin where conditions permit; Government should also strengthen local integration by expanding economic opportunities, livelihood sources, and anti-poverty programs for both IDPs and host communities; Government and communities should contribute to security initiatives to safeguard communities from crime.