Farmers and herders' perspective to climate change, governance and journalists' coverage of conflicts in Taraba, Nigeria

The farmer–herder crisis in Nigeria has intensified in recent years, and Taraba State has been among the most affected states. Scholars have attributed the cause of the ongoing crisis to the impact of climate change. While the media has played a crucial role in spotlighting the conflict, studies have argued that the coverage has been poor and often focuses on violence. This study examines the communication gap created in the coverage of the crisis in Taraba. Drawing on the principles of agenda-setting and framing theory, this study employed a mixed-method approach to investigate the perceptions of the affected stakeholders and also understand journalistic practices. Findings revealed that climate change is a factor driving the conflict, as well as weaknesses in governance and policy implementation. The study also finds that media reporting prioritises casualties and displacement, with limited emphasis on policy drivers or solution-oriented narratives. These patterns shape public perception and may weaken policy accountability and peacebuilding efforts. The study concludes that more contextual, solution-focused journalism is necessary to improve public understanding and support long-term conflict resolution strategies.