Browsing by Author "Bebora G M"

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    Effects of Climate Variability on Inter-communal Conflict Patterns: A Case of Northern Kenya
    (NDU-K, 2024) Bebora G M
    Climate variability has emerged as a critical factor influencing the socio-environmental dynamics of regions worldwide, with profound implications for vulnerable communities. In particular, the arid and semi-arid regions of Northern Kenya have witnessed significant shifts in climate patterns, characterized by irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures. The general objective of this study was to assess the effects of climate variability on inter communal conflict patterns: a case of Northern Kenya. The specific objectives of the Study were; to assess the effects of increased temperatures and drought in relation to inter-communal conflict patterns in Turkana County, Northern Kenya, to analyse the extent shrinking grazing lands affect inter-communal conflict patterns in Turkana County, Northern Kenya and to evaluate the effect of decreased water sources on inter-communal conflict patterns in Turkana County, Northern Kenya. The study was based on classical theories. The research design, study population, sample, data collection, data analysis and ethical issues were among the research designs used in this study. Given the complexity of the issue and the need to understand the nuances of climate related conflicts in Northern Kenya, an exploratory research design was suitable. The study specifically concentrated with the key counties and regions within Northern Kenya that are commonly associated with climate-related conflicts, to include; Turkana County, Marsabit County, Isiolo County, Samburu County, Wajir County and Garissa County. This study targeted Government Reports and Publications, Scholarly articles, research papers, theses and dissertations, NGO and International Organization Reports containing data on climate patterns, resource management, conflict incidents and government responses. The study was a desk-top research and the collected data was purely secondary and qualitative. The study employed desktop qualitative data analysis techniques, such as thematic coding, to analyse the data. This study ensured that the secondary data accessed do not contain personally identifiable information or confidential data. The findings indicate that increased temperatures and drought have contributed to inter-communal conflict patterns in Turkana County, Northern Kenya. Additionally, the study confirms that the reduction in grazing lands is impacting inter-communal conflict patterns in the region. Diminished water sources were also identified as a factor affecting inter-communal conflict patterns in Turkana County. The impact of climate variability, and by extension, climate change further complicates food production processes, including the loss of pasture. These radical changes are causing tensions, survival anxieties, population displacements and migrations. The study recommends that local development programs should be strategically oriented towards long-term resilience to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and variability on the Turkana community. In Turkana County, conflict-sensitive adaptation requires diversifying livelihoods, such as introducing more sedentary farming, reducing the number of animals, preserving the environment and increasing the availability of water sources. The researcher recommends in-depth case studies focusing on specific regions within Northern Kenya to explore the localized dynamics of climate variability and its impact on inter-communal conflicts.