Scarce Resources and Inter-Clan Conflict in Selected Districts in Mandera County, North Eastern Kenya

ABSTRACT This study was set out to establish the extent to which scarce resources lead to inter- clan conflict in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya. Specifically the study was to (i) determine the profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, rank, income level, highest educational qualification and district of residence (ii) determine the level of scarce resources (land, water and pasture) in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya (iii) determine the level of inter-clan conflict in terms of land conflict, livestock rustling and banditry in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya (iv) to establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of scarce resources and inter- clan conflict in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya and (v) to establish whether there is a significant relation between scarce resources and inter- clan conflict in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya. The study used a survey design; specifically descriptive correlation and descriptive comparative; data were collected from 320 respondents using self administered questionnaires as the main data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and summary statistics and, ANOVA and Pearson Linear Correlation coefficient. The study revealed that there was a significant relationship between scarce resources (land, water and pasture) and inter-clan conflict in selected districts in Mandera County in North Eastern Kenya. The researcher concluded that scarce resources are significantly correlated with inter-clan conflict, indicating that high level of scarce resources in Mandera County is highly responsible for inter-clan conflict in the region. It is recommended that in order to reduce inter-clan conflict there is need to provide basic resources and manage them well. All stakeholders should be involved in decision making in terms of conflict prevention, management and resolution.