THE PLACE OF PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION IN HERDER/FARMER CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A STUDY OF BARKIN-LADI LGA IN PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the place of participatory communication in resolving herders/farmers conflict in Barkin-Ladi local government area of Plateau State. The study sought to find out the extent to which participatory communication was used to resolve conflict among the farmers and herders, as well as determine the extent to which the participatory communication method/strategy adopted was effective and responsive in resolving herders/farmers' conflict in Barkin-Ladi. Participatory communication is a process that involves stakeholders' engagement and empowerment in owning and driving social change through participation. A survey method was employed in executing this study. Diffusion of Innovation, Intercultural and Face-negotiation theories were used to further explain the topic under discourse. The study concluded that participatory communication was not effectively used to involve people in the curbing of herders/farmers conflict, this is largely due to external factors, such as the government's regulation. The study therefore recommends that when applying participatory communication in herders/farmers conflict, it is important to address the root cause of the issue, the culture of the community, the relevant key stakeholders and their respective roles, the aim of the exercise, timelines, as well as monitoring and evaluation approach required. This study was an extension of the discourse on participatory communication, particularly on how it can be used as a viable tool in resolving conflict between herders and farmers.