FARMERS-HERDERS CRISIS AND IMPLICATIONS ON NIGERIA’S NATIONAL IMAGE: A CRITICAL CONTEMPORARY ISSUS ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64415/jgpmc.v3i1.90Keywords:
Farmers–herders conflict, Nigeria, national image, media framing, international reputation, human security, Image Repair TheoryAbstract
The study critically examines the farmers–herders crisis and its implications for Nigeria’s national image. The study was motivated by the increasing incidence of violent conflicts, displacement, food insecurity, livelihood disruption and negative media narratives associated with farmer–herder relations in Nigeria. Using a conceptual critical-analysis design, the study relied on secondary evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, government and institutional reports, humanitarian documents and relevant media literature. The analysis was guided by Framing Theory and Image Repair Theory to explain how conflict realities are represented, interpreted and managed as reputational challenges. Findings indicate that farmers–herders conflicts are driven by interacting factors, including competition over land and water, population growth, changing land-use patterns, climate-related pressures, pastoral mobility, insecurity and institutional weaknesses. The crisis has consequently undermined human security, social cohesion, agricultural livelihoods and food security. The study further finds that sensational and conflict-oriented media framing can reinforce negative perceptions of Nigeria among domestic and international audiences, with potential implications for the country’s international reputation, investment attractiveness, tourism, diplomatic relations and soft power. The study recommends integrated conflict prevention, climate adaptation, conflict-sensitive journalism, improved governance and strategic international communication to support Nigeria’s reputational recovery.
Keywords: Farmers–herders conflict; Nigeria; national image; media framing; international reputation; human security; Image Repair Theory
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