Community Participation and Peace Building in Mogadishu Somalia

Abstract The study aimed at establishing the effects of community participation on peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia. Peace building efforts are increasingly failing in conflict infested areas, due to non-involvement of interested and non-interested communities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of community participation on peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia. The research was guided by three objectives that included; establishing the role of community participation in peacebuilding in Mogadishu, Somalia. To evaluate the impact of Community participation in peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia. And finally to assess the challenges to community participation in peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study employed a qualitative approach. Specifically, a phenomenological research design, using qualitative methods of data collection. This study was carried out within Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia which is situated in Banaadir Region. Specifically the study was conducted in the district of Hodan within Mogadishu. The sample included 110 participants. An interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and collect all data required for the study. Major findings revealed that community participation fosters peace in the sense of preventing violence and wars. The influence of NGOs; CSOs; including local women and youth groups were instrumental in promoting peace building. This study provided important insights into community participation and peace building. Community participation plays a big role in peace building, Engagement of the community is instrumental in building peace. Community members and leaders alike, will have to continue putting in place measures that will ensure their participation. Youth and women are crucial partners in peace building efforts. Undertaking a revision of existing policies to help overcome issues of violence and youth exploitation that hinder community participation, is key to effective community participation peace building.

Table of Contents

Approval

Declaration .

ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Table of Contents vi

List of Figures ix

List of Tables x

Abstract xi

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

I Background of the study 1

1 .1 .1 Historical perspective 1

.1 .2 Theoretical perspective 3

1 .1 .3 Conceptual perspective 5

.1 .4 Contextual perspective 5

1 .2 Statement oI’the problem 7

1.3 Purpose oithe study 7

1.4 Objectives of the study 7

1 .5 Research questions 7

1.6 Scope of the study 8

1.6.1 Geographical scope 8

1 .6.2 Content scope 8

1.6.3 Time scope 8

1. 7 Significance of the Study 8

1 .8 Operational Definition of key terms 9

1.9 Conceptual framework 10

CHAPTER TWO 11

LITERATURE REVIEW 11

2.0 Introduction 11

vi

2.1 Theoretical review .II

2.2 Peace building in Somalia 12

2.3 Role ofcommunity participation in peace building 14

2.4 Impact ofCommunity participation on peace building 15

2.5 Challenges ofcommunity participation in peace building 18

2.6 Research gaps 21

Cl—IAl7I’Eli i~I4l?.EE 23

I~tE’1’iIOJ~O1.,OcF~’ 23

3.0 Introduction 23

3.1 Research I)esigji 23

3.2 Study population 23

3.3 Sample Size 24

3.4 Sampling Techniques 24

3.5 Data Collection tvletliocl 2.5

3.6 Data Collection Tools 25

3.7 Data Management and Analysis 26

3.8 Ethical Consideration 26

3.9 Limitation ofthe Study 26

CIIAP’I’ER FOuR 27

PRESENTATION. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS 27

4.0 Introduction 27

4.1 Demographic Information ofthe participants 27

42 Role ofcommunity participation in peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia 29

4.3 impact ofcommunity participation in peace building in Mogadishu, Somalia 31

4.4 Challenges ofcommunity participation in peace building 33

CILAP’fER FIVE 36

DISCUSSIONS, CONLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 36

5.0 Introcluction 36

5.1 Discussions 36

5.2 Conclusions 41

5.3 Recommendations 41

5.4 Areas for furthcr research 42

vU

REFERENCES .43

APPENDIX Al 48

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 48

APPENDIX A2: INTERVIEW GUIDES 50

APPENDIXBI 51

TRANSMITTAL LETTER 51

APPENDIX B2 52

TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE RESPONDENTS 52

APPENDIX C 53

CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE 53

APPENDIX D 54

INFORMED CONSENT 54

APPENDIX E: TIME FRAME 5