AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT PASTORALISTS’ ATTACKS ON SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN OKE-OGUN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  FRANCIS AMENAGHAWON & EMMANUEL ADEMOLA OWOYEMI

Abstract
This study interrogated the sources of information about pastoralists’ attacks on small scale farmers in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and the implication on public understanding of the conflict. The small scale farmers are those whose crops were grazed on indiscriminately by herders. A survey design was employed, utilizing questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Three hundred and twenty seven copies of the questionnaire were distributed on respondents in the selected towns such as: Iseyin, Saki and Igboora. Data collected were analysed using percentages and frequency counts. The agenda-setting theory provided the theoretical framework. The findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents received information about the attacks through new media. For instance, 44.3% got to know about the attacks through the social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram among others; followed by mainstream media -radio, television and newspapers 31.8%; interpersonal communication, 13.5%; religious group, 2.1% and international media, 7%. The findings highlighted a high level of professionalism in the presentation of the conflict, which contributed to the objectivity of the media. These diverse sources provided the public with timely and comprehensive information about the conflict. The study recommended that media operators should equip themselves with the latest technology for information gathering. The farmers and herders should find more amicable ways of addressing their conflicts, while host communities should create more peaceful platforms for addressing the disputes. Government and security agencies should enhance their response mechanisms to address and mitigate the deadly conflicts.