Wetland Resources and Livestock Availability in Armed Conflicts in Baringo County, Kenya

ABSTRACT This study focused on the relationship between wetland resources, availability of livestock and the conflicts in Baringo County, Kenya. The study had four objectives and these were; to find out whether there is availability of wetland resources (water and pasture) in Lake 94, to find out whether there is armed conflict between the Pokot and the Njemps communities who live in Lake 94, to find out whether there is availability of livestock (cows, sheep and goats) in Lake 94 and lastly, to find out ~ whether the availability of wetland resources and livestock in lake 94 is responsibI~ç~pr These objectives were then turned into questions and used by the researcher as the research questions. The researcher covered areas that are related to this study. These areas included; conflict over water resources, cattle rustling and conflict over pasture by different communities that are of pastoral nature as the communities that the researcher is investigating. The research adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised of the two conflicting communities (Pokot and Njemps) and the government administrative offices. A sample size of five hundred and sixty five was determined using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and data was presented in tables and analyzed. The researcher concluded that the water and pasture availability in lake 94 has led to the availability of livestock and this has also led to the conflict between the Pokot and the Njemps communities and that there is a relationship between the availability of wetlands resources and conflicts in Lake 94.The researcher made several recommendations from the research carried, these were: The government administration should consider putting a police station around Lake 94 to curb the cattle rustlers from raiding and hence reduction of the conflict, the government should do more developments on the side of the Pokot community so that they do not lack water. This may include but not limited to putting in place mechanism to harvest rain water, which often flood the area, so that they can be used during the drought by both human and livestock, there is need to increase the level of education in the area, both communities depicted a low level of education. And finally the two communities should explore other ways of living apart from pastoralism; this may include but not limited to bee keeping and crop farming on appropriate crops. Lastly the researcher suggested areas for future research and these were: The link between the illiteracy and conflict between the Pokot and Njemps communities; the role of the availability of modern weapons in the armed conflict between the Pokot and Njemps communities and the link between culture and the conflict between the Pokot and Njemps corn mu nities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval sheet iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement V

Abstract vi

CHAPTER ONE: PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background 1

Statement of problem 3

Purpose of the study 4

Objectives 4

Research questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope of the study 6

Significance of the study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction 8

Concepts, opinions and ideas from the experts 8

Theoretical perspective 9

Review of Related Studies 10

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

Research Design 14

vii

Target Population 14

Sample Size 14

Sampling Procedure 16

Data collection Instrument 16

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 17

Data Gathering Procedures 17

Data Analysis 18

Ethical Considerations 18

Limitations of the Study 19

CHAPTER FOUR:

Presentation, analysis and interpretation of data 20

Correlation of variables 27

CHAPTER FIVE

Findings 28

Conclusion 29

Recommendation 29

Suggestions for future research 30

REFERENCES 31

APPENDICES

Appendix I Transmittal letters for the respondents 33

Appendix II Data collection instrument 34

Appendix III Informed consent 38

Appendix IV Clearance from the ethical committee 39

Appendix V Time frame 40

Appendix VI Proposed budget 41

Appendix VII Correspondence from research institution 42

Appendix VIII Researcher’s curriculum vitae 43