Role of conflict in populations displacement in Baringo south sub County, Baringo county Kenya

Abstract

Displacement has been a common consequence of conflicts since the beginning of human history. The main objective of this study was to find role of conflict in population displacement in Baringo South Sub County, Baringo County. Objectives of the study were to find out the nature of displacement, consequences of displacement and to suggest ways of dealing with displacement in Baringo South Sub-County. The study was guided by Human Needs Theory (HNT). The study adopted a case study design. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the MCAs and community leaders. Simple random sampling was used to select house hold heads. Data was collected using the questionnaires, interview guides and direct observation guide. Presentation of data was in the form of frequency distribution tables and graphs that facilitated description and explanation of the study findings. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V.20) and Ms Excel helped to generate frequency distribution tables. Majority of the respondents 56.0% argued that political violence was the main source of displacement. Natural calamities, tribalism, livestock raids, historical rivalry and intercommunity conflicts were also mentioned as sources of displacement. On the effects 93.4% of the respondents agreed that increased poverty and crime were the main effects of displacement. Other effects included injuries and deaths, loss of property and reduced economic growth. On the ways of dealing with displacement the study suggested that mediation, peace visits, and dialogue were ways of preventing displacement. In conclusion, political violence is the main source of displacement. Increases in poverty levels and crime were the effects of displacement. Mediation, peace visits and dialogue were ways of preventing displacement. The study recommended that the government should relook the land allocation procedures and policies, encourage peace education, intermarriages and exchange programmes where communities learn and embrace one another’s culture. The study may provide an insight for the national government, non-governmental organizations and County government to look at the main factors influencing displacement in the area and approaches in trying to solve displacement. Ministry of Internal Security may get crucial information on how to enforce security measures for people in the affected areas and help in policy formulation. Findings of this study may bridge the gap of lack of sufficient information on the effect of displacement in ASAL areas and may influence further scholarly research by other researchers who may be interested in this field of knowledge and initiate appropriate mitigation.