Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

Communication plays a good role in changing perceptions and behavioural patterns in human society. This study examined communication approaches as the specific method or strategy used to share information, ensuring it is clear, appropriate, and understood. It focused on pragmatic communication, which puts the demands of the audience, context, and function ahead of rigorous perfection. Rural areas in central Nigeria have endured conflicts between farming communities and cattle rearers in what has been termed ‗Farmers-Herdmen Conflict‘. This article applies pragmatic communication in the context of managing peaceful coexistence arising from the farmerherdsmen conflict in Doka, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent violence, loss of life and property, and breakdown of social relations resulting from the conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the area. A qualitative case study approach was employed, and data were gathered through key person interviews, focus group discussions, and the review of relevant documents. This design enabled a comprehensive exploration of stakeholders‘ experiences and perspectives utilising Freeman‘s Stakeholders‘ Theory. The collected data were analysed thematically in alignment with the study‘s research objectives. The results indicated that the conflict stemmed largely from rivalry over access to land and water, destruction of crops, indiscriminate grazing, ineffective land-use policies, weak enforcement of existing laws, and deep-seated mistrust between farmers and herders. The study recommended that pragmatic communication, being effective in connecting communities in conflicts, should be used proactively rather than reactively.

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