FARMER-HERDERS CRISIS: GROUP TRAINS JOURNALIST ON CONFLICT REPORTING
By Raymond Enoch.
In a bid to contribute to mitigation of conflicts between farmers and herder communities in Adamawa and Taraba States, an International organization, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) has organised a three – day intensive training on Conflict reporting techniques that supports peace building and conflict resolution among farmers and herder communities in Taraba State..
The training, is part of the Search for Common Ground European Union (EU) -COMITAS Project ‘’ Contributing to the mitigation of conflicts over natural resources between farmers and herder communities in Adamawa States and Taraba States.
Speaking to Paradigm news after the training, the Media Coordinator Search for Common Ground Adamawa Field Office Mr Peter Cheman Koti said that the project is aimed strengthening traditional conflict resolutions in communities, putting trust in authorities, enhancing collaboration on the use of natural resources and to improve intra and inter communal perceptions.
Mr Cheman Koti explained that the project is focused on twenty two communities, nine local governments’ areas in Adamawa State and two local governments’ areas in Taraba State respectively.
‘‘Media is a veritable tool in sending messages to the public, we understand that media contribute a lot either in mitigating conflict or escalating violence. We are training media outlets and journalist in Taraba state to contribute to peaceful conflict resolution in their reportage’’.Mr . Koti said
The training which was facilitated by Mr. Temisan Etietsola, National Media Specialist, and Search for Common Ground had characteristics of Common Ground approach to Journalism, Media for Peace Building, the role of the media among others
Journalist from the state owned broadcast stations, radio and television,, private media houses as well as independent online media owners attended the thee day training.
Highlight of the training was the setting up of Search for Common Ground Journalism Forum for Taraba State as a platform for interaction and engagement on the project.
