Natural resource degradation and conflict in the East African pastoral drylands: is blaming the victim a solution?

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Periodical article

Title:	Natural resource degradation and conflict in the East African pastoral drylands: is blaming the victim a solution?
Author:	Reda, Kelemework Tafere
Year:	2015
Periodical:	African Security Review (ISSN 2154-0128)
Volume:	24
Issue:	3
Pages:	270-278
Language:	English
Geographic term:	East Africa
Subjects:	environmental degradation natural resources pastoralists conflict
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2015.1059350
Abstract:	Based on a literature review, this article examines the dynamics in pastoral systems, natural resource conservation and conflict in the drylands of East Africa. It argues that, in the context of East Africa, pastoralism and biodiversity conservation in general are distinct forms of land use that are complementary rather than competitive. The present state of natural resource degradation in the drylands is explained in terms of factors related to ecological and demographic pressures, land use conflicts and inefficient land administration policies. When the customary pastoral institutions of land administration and resource management are threatened, the problem of degradation is further exacerbated and violent conflicts occur among multiple resource users, including pastoralists, farmers and the state. The article recommends the revitalisation, empowerment and recognition of pastoral institutions in a way that ensures effective synergy between the formal and customary structures of resource governance. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]