Climate Variability and Pastoralist Displacement: Tracking Grazing Resource Conflicts in Semiarid Corridors

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 8, No. 6, June 2017 | pp. 712–720

DOI: 10.46882/2017/GJPCS/0000101

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Climate Variability and Pastoralist Displacement: Tracking Grazing Resource Conflicts in Semiarid Corridors

Names of Authors: Kwame Boateng¹, Linda van der Meer²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Geography, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, Netherlands

Abstract: Abstract: Accelerated climate deviations and resulting environmental degradation are rapidly reshaping resource availability, altering migratory routes and fueling localized conflicts across sub-Saharan regions. This research investigates the intensifying clashes between migratory pastoralists and sedentary farming communities within volatile semiarid sectors. Using a longitudinal spatial analysis alongside 400 household surveys, we tracked rainfall deviations, vegetation loss, and conflict hotspots over a ten-year timeline. The empirical models confirm that a 15% drop in seasonal rainfall below the long-term historical mean triggers an immediate 30% increase in farmer-herder clashes over water access and grazing land. Spatial mapping shows that conflict zones are moving tracking changing vegetation indices. The study identifies that traditional customary land-sharing arrangements are collapsing under the pressure of land privatization policies and ecological stress. The paper emphasizes that treating these disputes solely as security matters ignores root environmental drivers. We recommend implementing flexible rangeland management policies, early warning weather systems, and collaborative land-use frameworks to defuse resource competition.

Keywords: Climate Variability, Pastoralist Displacement, Grazing Resource Conflicts, Semiarid Corridors, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Degradation, Land Customary Systems

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 10, 2017; Revised: March 15, 2017; Accepted: April 22, 2017; Published: June 04, 2017

Citation: Boateng, K., & van der Meer, L. (2017). Climate Variability and Pastoralist Displacement: Tracking Grazing Resource Conflicts in Semiarid Corridors. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 8(6), 712–720. DOI: 10.46882/2017/GJPCS/0000101

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