Natural Resource Management Framework as a Conflict Management Strategy in Kenya: a Case Study of Laikipia County

Abstract

This study sought to assess the existing natural resource management frameworks in place in Laikipia County and their auspicious potential as effective tools for managing natural resource based conflicts in the region. Natural resource-based conflicts are still rampant in various parts in Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to examine the link between scarcity of natural resources and conflict in Laikipia County, to assess the effectiveness of existing strategies and policies for natural resource based conflicts in the Management County and examine a framework for the integration of natural resource based conflict management policies in the County to aid in quelling such conflicts. This study is focused on contributing to the theoretical body of knowledge aligned to conflicts that ensue as a result of scarcity of the limited natural resources in Kenya and in particular, Laikipia County where the manifestation of these conflicts has recently escalated into violence, death of livestock and invasion of the white settlers ranches that has strained international relations with between Kenya and the United Kingdom. Although there has been a focus on pastoral conflicts in the County before, the findings of this research will help build upon and support the outcomes of these previous studies and especially inform on the policy gaps in the devolution process of integration of existing national environmental management policies. This research was studied through the use of mixed methods whereby both quantitative and qualitative data was collected, collated and analyzed. The target population for the study comprised of the members of local communities including elders and opinion leaders, county government officials, and experts on natural resource management. The researcher used questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussions to collect the data from Rumuruti and Doldol. Data analysis of the information gathered from the questionnaires was done through excel and SPSS. The technique that was used to analyze the qualitative approach is breaking down the information in the form of themes. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that natural resource management is integral in alleviating conflicts in Laikipia County. The findings indicated that frequent droughts and water scarcity threaten peaceful coexistence community livelihoods over increased competition over natural resources. Most of the respondents indicated that both the administrative and community coping mechanisms and responses to these conflict remains ineffective with a significant number indicating the need for increased community participation and involvement in conflict mitigation strategies and peace committees. Measures to remedy this include prioritization of peace and security agenda by the County government through adoption of appropriate measures and actions towards management and resolution of pastoralist conflicts and insecurity in the area. Increased public and community participation and awareness during and after the conceptualization of County resource policies and strategies with aid in the implementation of effective and resource management tools. The advocacy for more innovative community-based resource conflict strategies by the County such as the Amanya Triangle Initiative that seeks innovative solutions to the problem of insecurity dogging the region will go a long way in promoting peaceful consistence by the populace.