AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

MEDIA PRESENTATION OF HERDERS-FARMERS’ CONFLICTS AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  DR FRANCIS AMENAGHAWON & OWOYEMI, EMMANUEL ADEMOLA

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of the presentation of herders-farmers’ conflicts in the media on the perception of the public about farmers. The research design adopted for the study was survey while the instrument used was questionnaire. A total of 327 copies of the questionnaire were distributed purposively to residents of Oyo town in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data generated were analysed with the aid of frequency counts and presented in percentage tables. Result of the findings showed that members of the public have adequate information about herders-farmers’ conflicts. The sources of information about the conflicts were social media, mainstream media, interpersonal communication religious organizations and international media. The media presentation enhanced the sympathy of the people towards farmers who were seen as helpless victims, neglected, unprotected, compromised, frustrated and betrayed. The media effectively set the agenda for the public’s reaction to the conflicts by framing the conflicts in their presentations. The conflict was framed most often in the manner that engendered public sympathy in favour of farmers. The study recommended that the government and security agencies should scale up their response mechanism in order to stop the deadly conflicts and also address other security issues in the country. Strengthening of law enforcement and support of local conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms are also recommended.