Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between social welfare policy and social adjustment of internally displaced persons has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Edo State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Edo State presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While social welfare policy is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on social adjustment of internally displaced persons within Edo State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to social welfare policy are helping or hindering social adjustment of internally displaced persons — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Social Welfare Policy on social adjustment of internally displaced persons in Edo State.
2. To assess the extent to which social welfare policy influences social adjustment of internally displaced persons within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with social welfare policy in relation to social adjustment of internally displaced persons.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing social welfare policy in order to improve social adjustment of internally displaced persons.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of social welfare policy on social adjustment of internally displaced persons in Edo State?
2. To what extent does social welfare policy influence social adjustment of internally displaced persons within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with social welfare policy in relation to social adjustment of internally displaced persons?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize social welfare policy in order to improve social adjustment of internally displaced persons?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around social adjustment of internally displaced persons. For managers and practitioners within Edo State, the study provides practical insight into how social welfare policy can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on social work by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Edo State, focusing specifically on how social welfare policy relates to social adjustment of internally displaced persons within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.