Communication Strategies for Peacebuilding

Abstract

This study assessed the peacebuilding communication strategies to understand their effectiveness and determine the extent to which they have advanced peace and stability in the state. We utilized a questionnaire as the research instrument to gather data from 578 respondents in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Taraba State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that while the government employs various peacebuilding communication strategies, including peace dialogue meetings and commissions of inquiry, there is a significant gap in the government's engagement with local communities in dialogue for peacebuilding, which may undermine the effectiveness of these efforts. However, respondents generally perceive the communication strategies for conflict resolution as effective. The government needs to prioritize inclusive and participatory approaches to peacebuilding by engaging local communities in dialogue and involving them in the decision-making process. The government should prioritize inclusive and participatory approaches to peacebuilding, local communities should take an active role in peacebuilding efforts, and media practitioners should adopt peace journalism principles in their reporting.