Framing and conflict: the case of the Asante Akyem North district’s farmer-herder conflict in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how framing of conflict in different phases is constructed and how the specific framing affects the development of the conflict and its management in the farmer–herder conflict in the Asante Akyem North District of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study area is Agogo which falls within the Asante Akyem North District in Ghana. The study used a qualitative approach whose philosophical ontology and epistemology believe that meaning is constructed (interpretivism). It further used a case study design using in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and observation guide. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. The data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, willingness and anonymity of respondents were duly respected. Findings The findings highlighted that the conflict actors formed frames such as identity-relational, affective-intellectual and negotiation-win frames as the drivers of the conflict. In this conflict, the farmers who are indigenes and custodians of the land feel more potent over the transnational migrants who are pastoralists and argue that the herdsmen be flushed out without negotiation. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the papers that bring to light the psychological dimension of the causes of the farmer–herder conflict in Ghana.

Coping strategies for victims of farmer–herder conflicts in Ghana.

“…The motivation for choosing the conflict in the AAND as a case study is to allow for a deeper analysis of the coping strategies of victims of farmer–herder conflicts who are often mentally and psychologically affected by the conflict. There is a dearth of knowledge and information about how victims of resource conflicts in Ghana cope with the effects of conflicts as not much research exists to sufficiently delve into the psychological and coping strategies of victims of the conflict (see Appiah-Boateng, 2020; Krafona & Appiah-Boateng, 2017). Therefore, by studying this conflict, we get a better understanding of how victims of violent farmer–herder conflicts in Ghana cope and navigate the consequences (such as death of relatives, destruction of their property, being physically wounded, emotional/psychological torture, etc.)…”

“…What contributes to the area being a hotspot for herder-farmer conflicts is the reliable rainfall, abundant and rich pasture, and fertile land which supports both farming and cattle rearing all-year round (Asamoah, 2014;Bukari, 2022;Kuusaana & Bukari, 2015;Tonah, 2006). These then attract both herders and farmers to compete for the use of these resources, and the final engagement is conflictual, where one party aims not only to attain the desired goal but also to harm and eliminate their opponents (Appiah-Boateng & Kendie, 2022;Baidoo, 2014;Bukari & Kuusaana, 2018;Coser, 1956;Olaniyan et al, 2015).…”

“…Although proclaimed as a peaceful nation, Ghana suffers from resource conflicts involving herders and farmers. Against the backdrop of these conflicts are resource scarcity, unequal social distributions, population growth, land alienation, agricultural and pastoral encroachment, chieftaincy disputes, political influences, and climate change (Appiah-Boateng & Kendie, 2022; Bukari, 2017, 2022; Milligan & Binns, 2007; Shettima & Tar, 2008). This resource conflict occurs between settled farming communities and herders, involving migrant herders from Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger (Abbass, 2014; Tonah, 2002); and occurs in many agroecological zones in Ghana such as Atebubu, Amanteng, and Agogo (Dary et al, 2017).…”

‘I lost over 700 tubers of yam but am glad I am still alive’: Implications of victimhood and displacement on conflict management – Insights from displaced farmers in North Central Nigeria

“…Ethnic identity and citizenship issues are significant aspects influencing herder–farmer conflicts and victimisation. The conflicts often involve different ethnic groups with distinct cultural practices and historical land-use patterns (Appiah-Boateng and Kendie, 2022; Bukari, 2023). Perceived differences in identity and citizenship rights can fuel tensions and contribute to violence.…”

Motherhood delor: narratives of pregnant and nursing mothers in violent spaces in Ghana

“…, 2018). As an area of protracted farmer–pastoralist conflict for over two decades, the Agogo Traditional Area (ATA), which is situated in the middle belt of Ghana, has played home to a bevy of studies, particularly those focusing on peace and conflict management (Appiah-Boateng and Kendie, 2021; Bukari et al. , 2018; Opoku, 2014).…”