Abstract:
Isiolo County has experienced conflict over a long time. The conflict could be best described as resource based as it has always involved one or more of the resources that the local population has been competing over, which ranges from water, pasture and land among others. Currently, there is a great flurry of land speculation and illegal acquisition where by national and county government to address resource-based conflict is expected. The study sought to investigate the impact of Isiolo International Airport project on resource-based conflict among the Borana in Isiolo County. The specific objectives were to identify the nature of resource-based conflict among the Borana in Isiolo County, to assess the impact of Isiolo airport project on resource-based conflict among the Borana in Isiolo County and to examine the strategies being used by national and county government to address resource-based conflict among the Borana as a result of the airport in Isiolo County. The study was anchored on the Environmental Security Theory. The study used qualitative research approach. The target population for this research was pastoralist communities in Borana, people who used to live around airport, county officials, community leaders and NGOs officials in Isiolo County. The purposive sampling method was used to select a sample size of 160 respondents. The study adopted in-depth interviews as the main instrument for the collection of primary data. The data collected was coded, indexed, and categorized. The researcher then identified patterns, standard responses, and themes that can answer research questions. The data was analyzed using thematic content analysis for responses from interview schedules and presented in prose form. The study found that the nature of resource-based conflict among the Borana in Isiolo County is complex and multifaceted, involving historical, cultural, economic, and political factors. The conflict is often triggered by competition over resources such as water and pasture, and it is exacerbated by issues of identity, power, and representation. The Isiolo International Airport project was found to have both positive and negative impacts on resource-based conflict among the Borana. On the positive side, the project has the potential to stimulate economic development and reduce poverty by creating job opportunities and enhancing infrastructure development. On the negative side, the project has led to land grabbing, environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and loss of traditional livelihoods, which have contributed to conflict. The study identified several strategies that are currently beingused to address resource-based conflict among the Borana in Isiolo County. These strategies include conflict resolution mechanisms such as traditional and modern approaches, mediation, and negotiation; and community-based initiatives that promote peace-building and coexistence. Basedon the findings of this study, it is recommended that local actors and leaders should prioritize compensation and provision of resources, dialogue and meetings, and involvement of local actorsin the Isiolo International Airport project in Isiolo County. By doing so, the project can help to mitigate resource-based conflict among the Borana community and promote peace-building in the region. It is also recommended that further research should be conducted to assess the long-term impact of the Isiolo International Airport project on resource-based conflict in Isiolo County.
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