Analysis of conflict resolution strategies among Pastoralist Communities of Kenya

Abstract

Globally, the practice of pastoralism as a source of livelihood has been in existence over centuries among different communities. The evolution of sedentary agriculture and other economic activities however, minimally changed nomadic pastoralism in many continents. Given the migratory nature of pastoralists in search of water and pasture, a number of challenges are encountered along the way. The rising human population, competing land uses, land tenure systems, and diminishing environmental resources resulting from climate change have all contributed to numerous conflicts between and among pastoralist communities. This article therefore uses secondary data to analyze some of the strategies of conflict resolution among pastoralist communities, highlighting success stories while suggesting how they can be replicated to address conflict. Two objectives guided this analysis. Firstly, was the evaluation of the impact of conflict resolution strategies on pastoralism and secondly was the assessment of some of the challenges associated with the implementation of the strategies among pastoralist communities. The article concludes that pastoralism remains a major livelihood source for a majority of populations in arid and semi-arid areas in Africa and Asia and in mountainous areas in Europe. Further, pastoralist conflicts are a consequence of shared natural resources without structured forms of utilization. Finally, some approaches/agreements of conflict resolution adopted by pastoralist communities have recorded some degree of success in ending conflicts between pastoralist communities. The article recommends that pastoralist communities adopt, implement and respect working conflict resolution strategies for sustainable utilization of natural resources to improve their socio-economic welfare. The article recommends that the government should formulate policies that support pastoralism in line with the 2010 African Union’s policy on pastoralism. In addition, the government and Non-governmental organizations should support and strengthen successful community conflict resolution strategies. Successful strategies should also be replicated among pastoral communities sharing similar cultural institutions.