EVALUATION OF RADIO AS A TOOL TO ALIEVATE HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICTS IN MIDDLE-BELT, NIGERIA

Clashes between farmers and herdsmen have become frequent in Nigeria and in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. These clashes are informed by herders’ continuous movement with their flock from the more arid northern parts down to the south in search of greener pastures at commencement of the rainy season each year. These clashes have precipitated colossal loss of human lives and property in parts of the middle belt and many other states in Nigeria. Benue State which is the area of this study has witnessed the attacks in remote areas of the northern parts of the state. Radio, being a medium that can reach people wherever they are, the study attempted to evaluate this influence of radio on audience in resolving the farmers and herders clashes The researcher sampled opinion of 400 respondents from across Benue State North Central Nigeria. Data was gathered through questionnaire, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. It was discovered that radio messages positively influence and shape the attitude and perception of herders and farmers towards ending the conflict. The study further discovered that the radio despite their prevalent challenges in the state still played significant role in preventing herder’s andfarmers clashes through its educative and informative programmes and it is a medium for the future. The findings show that the level of literacy of the audience has some positive impact on resolution of the conflict.