Communication Strategies Adopted By The Local Media In Reporting Farmers Herders Crisis In Benue State

The study focused on Communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmers herders crisis in Benue state. The study further determined the nature of farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state, determined the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state. On the methodology, data used was collected from primary and secondary sources. A questionnaire designed by the researcher tagged communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmers herders crisis in Benue state was used. The analysis method that was used in this study has direct relationship with the objectives of the study outlined. Being a quantitative study, statistics and percentage approach was used for the research. The data gathered was recorded and analysed using simple tables, simple percentage to clarify the rates and numbers, while providing the interpretation for each table while chi-square was used to analyze the hypothesis. Findings from the study revealed that the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state is effective to an extent. For the media to effectively assist in the resolution of this conflict, accurate and objective information, devoid of sensationalism, sectionalism or religious undertone must be passed to the people.

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The conflict which arose between herders and -farmer was as a result of the disagreement over the use of land and water, livestock theft, and the encroachment of settlements and farms lands .This contravention of farmlands has resulted in escalating level of conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. This violence has led to the loss of many lives and properties. Consequently, in view of the escalating level of conflict different communication strategies is required to provide adequate information of the crisis to the government and relevant stake holders as a means of proffering lasting solution to the conflict. Communication enhances the exchange of information. The Communication strategies constitute the blueprints for how this information will be exchanged such as the use of verbal, nonverbal, or visual. Means. Radio is a form of technology for signaling or communicating using radio waves. Ellington, Steven W. (2016). Radio waves consist of electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). These waves are produced by a transmitter which is an electronic device connected to an antenna which radiates the waves, and received by a radio receiver connected to another antenna. Radio has a wide coverage in modern technology, used in radio communication and other applications. The adoption of the use of radio for the mitigation and eradication of the crisis between the Fulani herds men and farmers was approved by the government of Nigeria on May 21 2019. According to the minister, the radio service will function as a means for social mobilization, provision of interactive radio instruction and education aimed at proffering lasting solution to the crisis between herders and farmers which has led to the loss of many lives, destruction of productive assets and the enhancement of nomadic education, and learning resources. The license was granted to the National Commission for Nomadic Education for the establishment of a radio station. The study seeks to appraise the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has constituted another challenge in recent times due to growing scarcity of arable land and water sources. Consequently, herdsmen have been on the path of survival by intruding into farmlands in a bit to provide pastures for their cattles and cows. This contravention of farmlands has resulted in escalating level of conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. This violence has led to the loss of many lives and properties. Therefore, the adoption of various communication strategies is essential for the proper dissemination of information to government and relevant stakeholders as means of proffering lasting solution to the crisis. Therefore, the problem confronting the study seeks to appraise the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state; The specific objectives include

To determine the nature of farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state.

To determine the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the nature of farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state?

What is the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state?

1.5 Statement of the Hypothesis

The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows

HO The communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state is not effective.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study appraises the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state. The study shall therefore serve as veritable source of information to stakeholders to proffer interventions which will address the problem

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the appraisal of the communication strategies adopted by the local media in reporting farmer"s herder"s crisis in Benue state.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors

1.9 Definition of Terms

Communication Defined

Communication enhances the exchange of information between two or more people

Communication Strategies Defined

The Communication strategies constitute the blueprints for how this information will be exchanged such as the use of verbal, nonverbal, or visual Means

Radio Defined

Radio is a form of technology for signaling or communicating using radio waves. Ellingson, Steven W. (2016). Radio waves consist of electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). These waves are produced by a transmitter which is an electronic device connected to an antenna which radiates the waves, and received by a radio receiver connected to another antenna. Radio has a wide coverage in modern technology, used in radio communication and other applications.

Return on Investment Defined

The return on investment defines the firm"s efficiency in the utilization of the invested capital. This ratio is determined as net profit after tax divided by total paid in capital.

Customer Satisfaction Defined

Meeting or exceeding customer expectation

• Sales Promotion Strategies And Sales Performance Of Telecommunication Firms
• Assessment Of Communication Strategies On Employees Performance In Electricity Distribution Company
• Effective Communication Strategies

• Mass Communication Project Topics and Materials