Natural Resource As A Source Of Conflict- Case Study In Northern Kenya (2012-2016)

Abstract

Natural resources have been considered as source of conflict in many areas across the world. Northern Kenya is one of the areas known to have many cases of conflicts. This study sought to investigate whether occurrence and persistence of conflicts in Northern Kenya is linked to natural resources. The specific objectives of this study are: to determine ways in which distribution of natural resources contribute to conflicts in Northern Kenya; to examine ways in which use of natural resources contribute to conflicts in Northern Kenya; and to identify natural resource management practices that contribute to conflicts in Northern Kenya. This study established that Northern Kenya is endowed with many natural resources distributed randomly. Some resources especially pasture and scanty vegetation are distributed evenly across most areas while other resources such as water are scarcely distributed. The area has large population of people, livestock and wildlife that compete for the available natural resources. The increased competition has resulted into cases of conflicts. Occurrence of conflicts is therefore correlated with distribution and availability of natural resources. The study also established that conflicts among communities in Northern Kenya is significantly attributed to natural resources. While the area is characterized by erratic rainfall, sandy soils that limit vegetation growth as well as limited rivers and swamps, these conditions are made worse by climatic changes. The combination of climate change and ecological differences trigger and sustain conflicts. Conflicts were observed to occur most during drought occasioned by climate change. The study revealed that there are several interventions put in place to address the natural resource-based conflicts. The interventions include legal institutional frameworks aimed at addressing climate change and drought which is a major cause of conflicts in Northern Kenya. Another approach is traditional conflict resolution mechanism aimed at managing natural resource-based conflict. The approaches have been significant, however, there are several challenges that are institutional and systemic. The challenges have limited the management of natural resource-based conflicts in Northern Kenya. The study concludes that conflicts in Northern Kenya are largely attributed to distribution and management of natural resources. The study recommended that government, development partners, humanitarian agencies and local communities to enhance better use of natural resources to prevent conflict among communities in northern Kenya.