Actors and networks in resource conflict resolution under climate change in rural Kenya
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Date
2016
Authors
Ngaruiya, Grace W.
Scheffran, Jürgen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Copernicus Publications
Abstract
The change from consensual decision-making arrangements into centralized hierarchical chieftaincy
schemes through colonization disrupted many rural conflict resolution mechanisms in Africa. In addition, climate
change impacts on land use have introduced additional socio-ecological factors that complicate rural conflict
dynamics. Despite the current urgent need for conflict-sensitive adaptation, resolution efficiency of these fused
rural institutions has hardly been documented. In this context, we analyse the Loitoktok network for implemented
resource conflict resolution structures and identify potential actors to guide conflict-sensitive adaptation. This is
based on social network data and processes that are collected using the saturation sampling technique to analyse
mechanisms of brokerage. We find that there are three different forms of fused conflict resolution arrangements
that integrate traditional institutions and private investors in the community. To effectively implement conflictsensitive
adaptation, we recommend the extension officers, the council of elders, local chiefs and private investors
as potential conduits of knowledge in rural areas. In conclusion, efficiency of these fused conflict resolution
institutions is aided by the presence of holistic resource management policies and diversification in conflict
resolution actors and networks.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
Earth Syst. Dynam., 7, 441–452, 2016. www.earth-syst-dynam.net/7/441/2016/; doi:10.5194/esd-7-441-2016