Analytical Study of the Research Gap in Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Practice in Conflict-Affected States in Nigeria

Trauma-informed early childhood practice has gained strong international evidence support, yet systematic examination of its research and practice base in Nigerian conflict-affected states reveals significant gaps that must be addressed to safeguard children's developmental wellbeing. This study analytically examined the research gap in trauma-informed ECD practice in Nigeria's conflict-affected states through systematic review and primary consultation research. A systematic scoping review of nine databases identified only 7 publications from 2018 to 2024 specifically addressing trauma-informed approaches in Nigerian ECD contexts, despite significant child trauma prevalence in North East and North West zones. Primary consultation research comprised structured interviews with 25 ECD programme managers, psychosocial support specialists, and early childhood practitioners in Borno, Zamfara, and Adamawa States. Interview analysis confirmed that trauma-informed concepts were largely unknown among ECD practitioners, that existing ECD programming ignored trauma history in activity design, and that referral pathways for severely affected children were absent in all settings. The study identifies six priority research directions including evaluation of adapted trauma-informed curricula and caregiver co-intervention designs. An original Nigerian Trauma-Informed ECD Research Agenda is proposed. Recommendations include UNICEF Nigeria commissioning an evaluation of trauma-informed ECD pilot programmes, NCDC-mental health integration with ECD policy in conflict states, and doctoral research scholarships for trauma-informed ECD studies at northern universities.

Keywords: trauma-informed practice, early childhood education, conflict-affected Nigeria, research gap, psychosocial support