Browsing by Author "Longesh, Esma Michael"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Collaborative Strategies in Conflict Management between Pastoralists and Ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022)
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Longesh, Esma Michael
    Conflicts between pastoralists and ranchers in Laikipia County arise primarily from competition over scarce natural resources, exacerbated by climate variability, historical land grievances and the proliferation of small arms. The study examined the collaborative strategies in conflict management among pastoralists and ranchers. Specific objectives were: to assess the collaborative strategies employed in dealing with the conflict, to evaluate possible areas of collaboration as a conflict management strategy and to analyze the challenges in the use of collaborative approaches in conflict management between pastoralists and ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022). The study was guided by the Conflict Transformation Theory by John Lederach. To conceptualise collaboration, the study utilised Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Descriptive survey design was used where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to address the research questions. The target population was community leaders, pastoralists neighbouring the ranches, personnel/staff working within the ranches, ranchers, Kenya Police Reserve (KPR), Officers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Officers from the county Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) handling security matters. The study used a purposive and stratified sampling approach to select a sample size of 106 respondents and key informants, arrived at using the Onwuegbuzie and Collins typology. Interview guides and semi-structured questionnaires were utilized to gather field data. Research studies, journals, e-books, government reports and papers were used as the primary sources of secondary data. Data was categorized, verified and presented in themes that match to the study's objectives. Key findings per objective include: (1) collaborative strategies such as community dialogues, mediation and joint resource management were employed but faced implementation gaps in creating win-win outcomes; (2) areas of collaboration like shared grazing lands and livestock health programs showed potential for neutralizing hostilities; (3) challenges including mistrust, political interference and unequal enforcement hindered uptake. The study findings provide knowledge on understanding the collaborative strategies of conflict management adding to existential knowledge. The study is of much interest to all stakeholders of conflict intervention, peacekeeping, humanitarian operations and students of peace and security studies. The study recommends enhanced resource management, stricter controls on small arms, political accountability and strengthened governance structures to promote sustained cooperation and resolve conflicts.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Application of Collaboration Mechanisms as a Conflict Management Strategy among Pastoralist Communities and Ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022)
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2025-02) Longesh, Esma Michael; Hamasi, Linnet
    The purpose of the study was to investigate the collaborative mechanisms in conflict management among pastoralists and ranchers, using Laikipia County of Kenya as the focus. The contention of the study is that conflicts among pastoralist and ranchers due to the competition for natural resources and a thriving network of small-arms trade. The study examined the collaborative mechanisms in conflict management among pastoralists and ranchers. The study objective was to examine the application of collaboration mechanisms as a conflict management strategy among pastoralist communities and ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022). Descriptive survey design was used where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to address the research questions. The target population included community leaders, ranchers, pastoralists who lived close by, employees of the Kenya Police Reserve (KPR), officers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, county government officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in security issues. A sample size of n=106 respondents and key informants was used in the study and this number was determined using the Onwuegbuzie and Collins typology. Field data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. Government reports, e-books, research studies and journals served as the main sources of secondary data. Data was verified, categorized and presented according to themes that aligned with the goals of the study. The study findings contribute to existential knowledge by shedding light on cooperative conflict resolution techniques. All parties involved in humanitarian operations, peacekeeping, conflict intervention and peace and security studies will find the study very interesting. The study found that the main causes of conflict between ranchers and pastoralists in Laikipia County are land conversion, drought, erratic weather, political incitement and the spread of small arms. Although issues like mistrust, competition for resources and political meddling still exist, collaborative mechanisms like community dialogues, cooperative resource management and educational programs have proven effective in lowering tensions. To encourage long-term collaboration and settle disputes, the report suggests concentrating on resource management, tighter regulations on small arms, political accountability and bolstering governance frameworks.