The Role of the Mass Media in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in the Durfur Region of Western Sudan

ABSTRACT 

The study assessed the role of the mass media in peace building and conflict resolution in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. The study was guided by five objectives which included; to determine the profile of the respondents in regard to age, sex, education and occupation, to investigate the strategies used by the media in reporting conflict events in the Darfur region, to analyze the role of media in reporting conflict in Darfur, to examine the effects of the media on conflict resolution in Darfur region and to evaluate the overall contribution of the media in the process of conflict resolution and peace building in Darfur region. The study used descriptive correlation research designs as the best methodology to describe the situation the way it was found in the field. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) where frequency distribution tables, means and percentages were the main statistical tools used. The findings of the study reveal that most of the respondents were males (6O%). Publicity, peace journalism and creating Media Mass Consumption were found to be the main strategies used by the mass media in reporting on the conflict events in the Darfur region. It was concluded that the media plays a significant role in conflict resolution and peace building especially in disseminating information relating to conflict to all stake holders although the government sabotages its role in most cases. It was concluded that there is a strong relationship between Mass media and conflict resolution and peace building. The study recommends that the government should give freedom to the media and to the people of Darfur in general.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION A

DECLARATION B ii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

ABSTRACT xii

CHAPTER Page

ONE THE PROBLEM AND ITSSCOPE 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of the problem 3

Purpose of the study 4

Specific research objectives 4

Research question 4

Research hypothesis 5

Scope 5

Content scope 5

Time scope 5

Significance 6

TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 7

Introduction 7

Conceptual framework 7

Concepts, opinions, ideas from Authors and Experts 8

Definition of the key terms 8

Theoretical perspective 14

Related studies 17

THREE METHODOLOGY 30

Introduction 30

Research design 30

Research population 30

Sample size 31

Sampling procedures 31

Research instruments 31

Validity and reliability of the Instruments 32

Data gathering procedures 33

Data analysis 34

Ethical considerations 35

Limitations of the study 35

FOUR DATA PRESENTATIONS AND ANALYSIS 36

FIVE DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 56

Introduction 56

Findings 56

Conclusions 58

Recommendations 60

References 63

APPENDIX I: TRANSMITTAL LETTER 68

APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE 69

QUESTIONNAIRE GUIDE 71

APPENDIX III: BUDGET 77

APPENDIX IV: TIME FRAME 78

APPENDIX V: SAMPLE SIZE 79

APPENDIX VI: RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 80