Cheruiyot, Julius Kipngeno2026-02-102026-02-102025-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32349A Research Project Submitted to The School of Law, Arts and Social sciences In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master Of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies of Kenyatta University. October, 2025 Supervisor Lazarus Kinyua NgariClimate change poses major challenges by creating uncertainties that threaten rural populations reliant on natural resources. In Baringo South, extended droughts trigger conflicts over water and pasture among the Tugen, Pokot, and Njemps. These conflicts escalate into ethnic clashes, undermining peace, displacing communities, and reversing social and economic progress, leaving populations vulnerable to poverty and insecurity. This study interrogated the nexus between climate changes; resource based ethnic conflicts and socio-economic development in Baringo South sub-County. Three objectives were formulated for this study. To begin with this study interrogated the role of climate change in resource based ethnic conflicts in Baringo South sub-County. Secondly the study analyzed effects of resource based conflicts on social-economic development in Baringo South sub-County. Third, the effectiveness of initiatives and strategies put in place by various stakeholders in mitigating resource based ethnic conflicts in Baringo South sub-County were analyzed. Anchored on two complementary theories namely; legitimate domination theory and environmental insecurity theory, this study argued that environmental degradation and shrinking access to pasture and water resources as a result of changes in climatic conditions ignite resource-based disputes which take the form of ethnic conflicts among pastoralists communities. Such resource based ethnic conflicts have negative impactions on socio-economic development of communities affected. The study was in the form of a descriptive research design. This study made use of primary and secondary data in achieving intended objectives. The target population in this study included residents of Baringo South, NGOs leaders, women leaders, religious leaders and local administrators. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to identify a total of 300 respondents for field interviews. Random sampling was employed to select 280 residents while purposive sampling selected informants who NGOs leaders, women leaders, religious leaders and local administrators. Questionnaires were administered to 280 men and women from the dominant pastoralist ethnic groups while interview guides were administered to 20 purposively selected informants. Data collected was analyzed and interpreted both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study found that climate change intensifies resource scarcity and conflict political and economic agendas often fueled by elites exacerbate ethnic rivalries and prolong violence. It was observed that resource-based ethnic conflicts disrupt trade, education, health services, and infrastructure, causing shortages, school closures, damaged facilities, and destroyed roads, ultimately undermining socio-economic development in the region. The study noted that elders are most effective in resolving conflicts though enforcement is weak. Government efforts remain inadequate, NGOs show potential but lack support, while religious leaders, women, and youth have limited influence.enThesis