The Influence of Conflict Resolution Mechanism in the Natural Resource Management in East Africa Region; a Case Study of Mwea Settlement Scheme in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has continued to experience natural resource based conflicts over the years. These conflicts need to be settled swiftly as they encompass the livelihoods of people. Communities rely heavily on natural resources for survival. However, renewable and non-renewable natural resources have the capacity to lead to eruption of a conflict. Renewable resources include; “crop land, fresh water, free wood and fish” while none renewable resources include; “petroleum and minerals”. Lack of renewable resources has mainly resulted to violence. This has largely been associated with absence of effectual strategies or methods of settling conflict that demand respect from people involved in the use and access to the resources aforesaid. The general objective of the study was to assess the influence of conflict resolution mechanism in natural resource management in Mwea settlement scheme in Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the influence of negotiation in natural resource management in Mwea settlement scheme in Kenya, to examine the influence of arbitration in natural resource management in Mwea settlement scheme in Kenya, and to determine the influence of adjudication in natural resource management in Mwea settlement scheme in Kenya. The research has adopted the Conflict Resolution Theory as well as Cooperation and Competition Theory. This is a pragmatic case study that has incorporated both qualitative and quantitative data. The case study research design also permits in-depth study of fundamental themes and is suitable as it helps in description, comparison, evaluation and comprehension of various elements of the study. The study was carried out at Mwea Settlement Scheme in Kenya. The study population included members of the Communities in Embu and Kirinyaga Counties as well as officials of National Government and County Government in the two Counties. Non-probability sampling methods was involved to select the study sample. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used. Analysis was done using version 23.0 of the SPSS. The study found that negotiation is flexible as it enables parties to agree and resolve their differences in a cost-effective, timely and discreet manner in regard to the management and utilization of natural resources. The study established that arbitration is effective in natural resource conflict management. It was also established that arbitration has been largely adopted to resolve conflicts on natural resources.