Influence of Cultural Practices on Conflict and Its Management in Africa: a Case of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties of Kenya

Abstract

Cultural practices are likely to play a significant part in causation and resolution of conflict. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural practices on conflict and its management in Africa. A case of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties of Kenya was used. The specific objectives of the study included: to determine the effect of cultural practices on conflict and its management in Africa; to investigate the effect of cultural practices on conflict and its management in Kenya; and to examine the extent to which cultural practices influence conflict and its management in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties of Kenya. The study was anchored on Johan Galtung’s model for peace. The study used a qualitative research design making use of both primary and secondary qualitative data. Primary data was collected through Focus Group Discussions whereas secondary data was collected through relevant secondary sources. The study found that, in Africa, cultural practices have both been a cause of cultural related conflicts as well as a means for their management and resolution. The study analysed the findings using content analysis and concluded that indeed cultural practices influenced conflict and its management in Kenya and in Africa as a whole. It also concluded that despite having caused conflicts, cultural practices have in most cases, positively influenced conflict and its management since African cultures have in-built cultural mechanisms for conciliation and reconciliation. These cultural mechanisms include cultural rituals, dialogue, negotiation, mediation, compensation and conflict settlements through peace agreements. Further, the study also concluded that the Kenyan government and non-state actors have positively contributed to conflict management and resolution through the formation of Security and Peace committee structures. The study, therefore, recommends that the communities supported by NGOs, FBOs and CBOs should engage more on inter-community cooperation, cross-cultural cooperation, negotiation, mediation and development of modalities for harmonious coexistence. It also recommends that both National and County governments should encourage and subsidize alternative and diversified livelihoods. Further, the study recommends that the governments should enhance their peace-building efforts and rather than rob the community elders of their autonomy, they should embrace and incorporate them in the Peace committees.