2025, Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part A

Author(s): Kusugh Ternenge, Jacob Shagbaor Suemo and Ada Fidelis Dami

Abstract: The discord between herders and farmers in Nigeria represents a complex challenge arising from resource shortages, environmental deterioration, population pressures, land conflicts, and socio-economic disparities, resulting in heightened violence, displacement, and financial losses. The media plays a crucial role in combating insecurity within any society. Consequently, this study thoroughly investigates the media's coverage of the herders-farmers conflict from the viewpoint of solutions journalism, analyzing trends, dynamics, dimensions, impact, and compliance with solutions-focused principles. The research is grounded in the Agenda Setting Theory, complemented by the Framing Theory and the Social Responsibility Media Theory. A critical discourse analysis was performed to comprehend how media portrayals influence public perceptions and policy responses. The findings revealed that media coverage primarily emphasizes conflict-escalating frames, overlooking narratives that promote peace, and has a substantial impact on public perceptions and actions. Journalists, as the finding indicated, encounter obstacles such as insufficient training, resources, and political pressure, which impede solutions-oriented reporting. It concluded that the manner in which the media frames and reports on the herders-farmers conflicts in Nigeria significantly affects their development, yet the inclination towards sensationalism and ethnic stereotypes is misaligned with solutions-oriented principles. In order to advance peacebuilding efforts, this study recommended the implementation of consistent training programmes focused on solutions journalism, the establishment of media guidelines that prioritize ethical reporting, the enhancement of media literacy, governmental backing for solutions journalism initiatives, and the creation of dialogue platforms among stakeholders to generate thorough and constructive reports.

DOI: 10.22271/multi.2025.v7.i10a.800

Pages: 12-23 | Views: 119 | Downloads: 60

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