| dc.description.abstract | Kenyans have been experiencing inter-ethnic conflicts for the past few years. The first tribal conflicts occurred in Rift Valley in 1992. Ever since cases of inter-ethnic conflicts that have led to loss of lives, displacement of people, destruction of properties, hundreds of people being injured, children orphaned and women widowed continue to be reported in various parts of the country. Women have contributed significantly to the economy and development of the country through working together in selfhelp groups. However, their efforts have gone to waste following the eruption of inter-ethnic conflicts.
This project focused on the impact of inter-ethnic conflicts in participation of women in livelihood activities in Molo, Nakuru district. To achieve this, a survey was conducted in Molo. Probability sampling was used to select the respondents from the affected areas while non probability sampling was employed to select women's group leaders, church leaders and government officials who served as key informants.
Non probability sampling was also employed to select community leaders and displaced women in the internally displaced persons' camps for focus group discussions. A structured questionnaire was used for personal interviews, a focus group discussion guideline was used for focus group discussions, listed discussion topics guide was used for an in depth interviews with key informants, a check list was used for observation and a case study was conducted. A total of 90 respondents participated in the research.
The findings revealed that women had been working together in groups and had made significant achievements in improvement of their individual standards of living and in development of Molo area 77% of the respondents were actively involved in self help groups work. They cited, tangible results and achievements of their work. For example, construction of permanent water tanks and permanent houses were some of the many achievements realized through selfhelp groups.
The study found out that the inter-ethnic conflicts in the area had negatively affected participation of women in livelihood activities. 100% of the respondents had experienced inter-ethnic conflicts and were unanimous that no livelihood activities could take place in times of conflicts. People were displaced from their homes and lost their properties. The findings indicated that time taken before restoration of peace was long leading to permanent dissolution of self help groups. The findings also indicated that women initiated smaller activities after the inter-ethnic conflicts due to fear of losing more
properties.
The findings proved that participation of women in livelihood activities has positive impact in development of the country and that inter ethnic conflicts has negative impact on women's work in groups. It was evident that the conflicts brought about divisions and , enemity between women making it impossible for them to work together. The findings also proved that fear and tension in Molo will permanently affect the relationship between women from the two warring communities. The major recommendation was that the government should intensify its efforts in restoration of peace and unity in the area. Future studies should address a permanent solution to the inter-ethnic conflicts in Molo and in the whole country. | en_US |
