Drought and Natural Resource Based Conflicts among Pastoralists in Greater Kapoeta Area of South Sudan

ABSTRACT 

The study titled “Drought and natural resources based conflict among pastoralist communities” conducted in Greater Kapoeta area of South Sudan. The study was conducted to determine whether resource scarcity contribute significantly to prevalence of conflict; to investigate the recurrence of drought in the study area and its impact on pastoralists’ livelihood; and to study the drought coping mechanisms of pastoralists. Its main objective was to find out the impact of drought on conflicts between pastoralist groups over resources. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design having a sample size of 380 respondents. The study revealed that: natural resources such as grazing land and water are fundamental resources in pastoralist livelihoods; drought is prevalent in the area scaling up resource scarcity and intensifying competition over resources; pastoralists migrate in search of water and grazing as a coping mechanism during drought; competition over resource use and ownership is major factor of violent conflicts in the area. The study drew a number of conclusicjns: that the availability of natural resources such as water and grazing land is scarce in the area that sustainability and development of pastoralism as a life style is endangered; that the recurrence of drought is high and increasing from time to time; and that drought has significant contribution in enhancing conflict over resources among pastoralists.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration A ii

Declaration B iii

Approval sheet iv

Dedication v

Acknowledgement vi

Abstract vii

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Introduction/Background Information 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

Two LITERATURE REVIEW 10

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Experts/Authors io

Theoretical Framework 13

Related Studies 15

Three METHODOLOGY 18

Research Design 18

Research Population 19

Sample Size 19

Sampling Procedure 20

Research Instrument 21

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 22

Data Gathering Procedures 24

Data Analysis 25

Ethical Considerations 26

Limitations of the Study 26

Four PRESENTATION, ANALySIS AND INTERpRETATION OF DATA 28

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 40

Findings 40

Conclusions 44

Recommendations 45

References 48

Appendices 51

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 51

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee 52

Appendix III - Informed consent 53

Appendix IV - Research Instrument 54

Appendix V - Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 58