| dc.description.abstract | Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms (ICRM) have been used among
pastoralists for many decades. Turkana community provided a good case study as the
community has embraced used And still use ICRM to prevent, manage and resolve intra-
and inter-community conflicts. The main purpose of this study was do a critical analysis
of ICRM to determine the missing link and propose recommendations that would
contribute to the strengthening of the mechanisms to be able to meet the new
developments, trends, dynamics and challenges of the twenty first century. This was
addressed by focusing on the study objectives thus; to establish the perspectives of
indigenous conflict resolution techniques among pastoralists, to examine the forms and
application of indigenous conflict resolution techniques among pastoralists, and to
determine the strengths and challenges of indigenous conflict resolution techniques
among the pastoralists. This study covered convectional and ICRM at the global,
regional and local level.
The research findings were based on comprehensive literature review got from
extensive reports, academic writings, published books, and journals. These were
supplemented by key informant interviews, focused group discussions and
questionnaires. The research design was descriptive survey. Random sampling was done
and different groups of the population were adequately represented. The target population
was two hundred and fifty personnel involved in conflict management and peace
building. A sample of seventy four respondents was randomly picked. The categories of
people interviewed included government administrators, religious leaders, staff from Non
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups, local leaders, women and
youth.
Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics mean scores and standard
deviations, frequencies distributions and percentages. Findings are presented by use of
tables and figures for clarity. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations were drawn
from the study findings. The study is important as it will contribute to the generation of
knowledge with regards to ICRM.
The study established that ICRM are widely applied among pastoralist
communities and they have a positive perception about it and the people highly respect
ICRM. There are various forms of ICRM but the most preferred were the public forums
led by the elders. The study established that the strengths of ICRM outweigh the
challenges and ICRM has been successfully used among the Turkanas with improved
peace within the community and across the border. Decline in raids has also been
observed.
From the study findings it is recommended that to be able to overcome the current
conflict trends, dynamics, and challenges and be more effective the government needs to
strengthen the implementation process by offering ICRM formal recognition and linking
it with formal police, courts and various government agencies, incorporate the best
practices of ICRM and with the modern mechanisms, involve all stakeholders especially
women and youth, and conduct conflict education and training to elders to enable them
understand modern methods of arbitration, democratic governance and universally
accepted human rights. | en_US |
