Title:
INFLUENCE OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE STRENGTHENING OF PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY IN KAPYEGO, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY

Authors:
Paul Mwari Maina and Samuel Juma

Volume - 2 Issue - 7, Pages - 3790-3801

Abstract:
Conflict over natural resources is major type of conflicts globally. According to United Nations report (2012), in the last sixty years at least 40 per cent of civil wars on the African continent have been connected with natural resources. Studies of communal conflict in Arid and Semi-Arid areas of Kenya have shown increase in conflicts on cattle rustling, natural resources and political conflicts. The national and county governments have acted on violent extremisms brought about by youth radicalization, ethno- political tensions, unemployment and marginalization of ethnic minorities and competition of livelihood natural resources as some of the causes of conflicts.Conflicts over scarce natural resources among pastoral communities in the Kapyego ward in Elgeyo Marakwet county includes scarcity of water and pasture and this have caused heavy loses of livestock and human life. Indeed this present a major challenge to conservation and social economic development in the region. The field based study was conducted in 2012. Data collection methods included use of questionnaires and the researcher analyzed data using regression and correlation analysis to explore the nature of the relationship that exist among dependent and independent variables. The researcher used chi-square test, paired t-test and f-tests to perform hypotheses tests and conduct analysis of variance in accordance to the research objectives. Survey research approach was adopted to collect data from 110 participants sampled across the focus region out of 350 population size. The objective of the study was to investigate whether stability of community based institutional governance structures influence natural resource based conflicts. The research examined the role of efficient livelihood empowerment technologies to address resource based conflicts in the fragile ecosystem. The research findings indicated that stable community based institutions have a positive correlation with achievement of peace, security and stability in the region. The study findings indicated that promotion of social and nature based enterprises like value addition of indigenous gums and resins and promotion of biofuel value chains in support of youth and women reduced significantly resource based conflicts. The research recommended that strengthening of local institution on governance structures instrumental in achieving a peaceful community in Kapyego. The study further recommended the need to promote alternative nature based livelihood opportunities and value chains targeting the vulnerable group for achievement of sustainable peace, security and stability in the region. The study is anchored in SGD(16) which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Cite this Article:

[Maina, Paul Mwari, and And Samuel Juma. "INFLUENCE OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE STRENGTHENING OF PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY IN KAPYEGO, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY." International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research 2.7 (2017): 3790-801. ]