INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION BETWEEN FULANI HERDSMEN AND FARMERS IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study determined the influence of information and communication technology on herdsmen/farmers conflict resolution in North-central Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study adopted a population of 115,992 farmers and 49,664 nomadic Fulani across 36 conflict-prone Local Government Areas. A sample size of 500 respondents using a Stratified sampling technique was used. A validated 4-point scale questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool. The instrument's reliability was confirmed through a Cronbach alpha test, yielding a coefficient of 0.79 through a pilot study. SPSS version 25 facilitated the analysis, using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings obtained revealed unanimous agreement among the respondents on information and communication technology It was concluded that the collective significance of public enlightenment strategies be adopted in promoting conflict resolution between herdsmen and farmers. It was recommended among others that an integrated approach involving government, communities, media, and education is needed to be strongly adopted to resolve herdsmen-farmers conflict through conflict prevention, adaptation, communication, and public awareness. The study provides valuable implications for policymakers, community leaders, and ICT practitioners to collaboratively address herdsmen/farmers’ conflicts in North-Central Nigeria to promote sustainable peace and coexistence