Ecological Degradation and Inter-Communal Conflict: Tracking Resource Tensions in Arid Rift Valley Corridors

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2014 | pp. 352–360

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000061

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Ecological Degradation and Inter-Communal Conflict: Tracking Resource Tensions in Arid Rift Valley Corridors

Names of Authors: Kwame Boateng¹, Ekuam Ekitala²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Geography, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Abstract: Accelerated environmental degradation and erratic precipitation patterns are reshaping resource availability, driving localized clashes between migratory pastoralists and farming communities. This study investigates the intensifying structural friction over grazing rights and water access routes within arid valley corridors. Using a longitudinal geographic information system (GIS) analysis paired with 500 household surveys, we tracked rainfall deviations, vegetation health indices, and community confrontation records over a ten-year timeline. The empirical models confirm that a 20% drop in seasonal rainfall levels below historical averages triggers an immediate 35% increase in farmer-herder skirmishes within a 45-day window (p < 0.001). Spatial mapping demonstrates that conflict zones cluster within a 3-kilometer radius of functioning public water points due to widespread grassland degradation. The findings show that traditional resource-sharing agreements are collapsing under the pressure of land privatization policies. The paper argues that handling these disputes purely as border security issues ignores the root environmental drivers. We recommend implementing flexible cross-border grazing arrangements and automated early warning weather networks.

Keywords: Ecological Degradation, Inter-Communal Conflict, Pastoralist Migration, GIS Spatial Analysis, Resource Competition, Climate Adaptability, Rangeland Governance

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 15, 2013; Revised: January 18, 2014; Accepted: February 22, 2014; Published: April 19, 2014

Citation: Boateng, K., & Ekitala, E. (2014). Ecological Degradation and Inter-Communal Conflict: Tracking Resource Tensions in Arid Rift Valley Corridors. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(4), 352–360. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000061

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