EXPLORING PEACE COMMUNICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BANDITRY AND FARMER-HERDERS'CONFLICTSFOR FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE AND KOGI STATES, NIGERIA

This study explored the impacts of peace communication in managing banditry and farmers-herders’ conflicts, itsimplications on food security and sustainable rural development in Benue and Kogi States, Nigeria. It highlighted howpersistent insecurity driven by displacement, disruption of agricultural cycles, market inaccessibility and livelihoodloss undermined Nigeria’s food basket and rural transformation agenda. Drawing on theoretical underpinnings ofNonviolent Communication Theory, the study adopted quantitative survey method, using structured questionnaire ona sample of 370, with infinite (census) population. Descriptive and inferential statistical models were used for data presentation and analysis. Findings showed strong regression and correlation coefficients between banditry, farmer-herders’ conflict and food insecurity in Kogi and Benue States. The study concluded that without deliberate nonviolent, peacebuilding communication strategies, Nigeria’s aspiration for food sufficiency and rural developmentremain elusive. The study recommended that peace communication is a critical tool for mitigating conflicts occasionedby banditry and farmer-herders’ clashes, rebuilding trust among communities and ensuring agricultural productivity,through the adoption, application and uses of the media; traditional, digital, folk, and interpersonal platforms infostering dialogue, empathy, and conflict resolution.