Strengthening Resilience through Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Development Goal Achievement in Borno State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development in conflict-affected regions remains challenging because of persistent social, economic, and environmental pressures. In Borno State, Nigeria, progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on coordinated action among government institutions, civil society, communities, development partners, and the private sector. This study examined how multi-stakeholder collaboration contributes to resilience and sustainable development in the state. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving 384 respondents selected through stratified purposive sampling who completed structured questionnaires, alongside 20 key informant interviews and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, while resilience and SDG achievement operationalized as composite Likert-scale indices, qualitative data were examined thematically. Findings showed that stakeholder collaboration significantly improved development outcomes, with joint engagement having the strongest influence, followed by NGO support, community participation, government support, and private-sector involvement. However, insecurity, poverty, displacement, weak infrastructure, and environmental pressures remained major barriers. Resilience emerged as an important mechanism connecting collective action with development performance. Strengthening coordinated partnerships is therefore essential for advancing resilience and sustainable development in Borno State. The study further investigates the legal and institutional factors (constitution provisions, partnership agreements, NGO regulation, data regulation, and rule of accountability) which facilitate or hinder co-operation and integrates a legal-institutional element into the suggested framework.