Neighborhood in the Savannah: An Ethnology of the Fulani & the Kanuri Ethnic Groups of North Eastern Nigeria.

The Fulani and Kanuri are distinct ethnic groups, though analogous in practices such as religion, marriage, environmental co-existence and other aspects of life. In North Eastern Nigeria, both ethnic groups co-locate in the same environment in some states including, Borno, Yobe and Bauchi. The main objective of this study assessed and analyzed cross-cultural patterns, similarities, and differences of both ethnic groups. The study also assessed the centuries of co-existence and the “joking relationship” that exist between them. It further dispelled the claim that the Fulani ethnic group show a trend of conflict with neighbors in most areas where they reside due to their nomadic life. The population of the study consisted of 1,834,630 persons drawn from the local governments areas of 3 states under study (Bauchi, Borno and Yobe) based on Nigeria, 2006 National Population and Housing Census. The total sample size selected was 384 using research advisor 2016. The sample was proportionately distributed according to the size of the respondents’ populations in the selected Local Government Areas. A purposive and convenient, non-probability sampling study design was employed and administered. Data was collected using key informants interviews (KII) with community leaders, religious leaders, women elders and people of the communities. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted through small groups, separately for males and for females due to the sociocultural setting of the communities. Hausa language was adopted and used as the common language of communication. The reliability of the instrument was determined by the researchers using test retest method. The internal consistency of the instrument was calculated using Cronbach Alpha at .766. The design was chosen due to geographical consideration, availability & accessibility of respondents, having specific target group in mind due to the homogeneous nature of the study, and being a qualitative and exploratory study. The findings revealed that there is strong network of relationships between the Kanuri and the Fulani ethnic groups and other people of the study communities. Findings of the study further established “Joking Relationship” as a catalyst for peace and social cohesion among the ethnic groups. Despite diversity in cultural norms, beliefs, values, practices and social background, there had never been any war or major fight among the ethnic groups and their neighbors. Finally, It is recommended that if people recognize their differences in culture, beliefs, social class, ethnicity, religion, gender, and political inclination, and value unity in diversity as found in the study communities, there would be harmonious co-existence and sustainable peace within and across Nigeria. This would happen only through mediation, dialogue, reconciliation by maintaining certain level of tolerance within neighbourhood.