Media narratives and agrarian conflicts: unveiling the discourse on farmer-pastoralist tensions in Tanzania
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Date
2023-12-27
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The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Abstract
This paper explores the portrayal of farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Tanzanian media, focusing on how these
narratives influence public perception and policy. Despite significant contributions to the economy, pastoralists face negative
media depictions that exacerbate tensions with farmers. Using Norman Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis
(CDA), the research examines the language and framing in media articles to uncover biases and their societal impact. The
paper employs a qualitative methodology, analyzing headlines, lead paragraphs, and lexical choices in media representations
over the last 30 years. Findings reveal that media often depict pastoralists as violent, irrational, and obstructive to
development, which marginalizes them and reinforces societal prejudices. Positive portrayals, though less frequent, highlight
their roles as peaceful, environmentally conscious, and politically significant. The discussion delves into the political
economy of media in Tanzania, showing how dominant socio-political groups' interests are served at the expense of
pastoralists. Conclusions stress the need for balanced media representations to foster understanding and sustainable
coexistence between farmers and pastoralists. Recommendations call for media practices that reflect the complexities of
pastoral life and contribute to more equitable policy frameworks.
Description
Research article
Keywords
Critical discourse analysis, conflict, farmers, media, pastoralists