Reviewing the role of women pastoralist in conflicts in the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa has seen its fair share of natural resource conflicts among and between competing pastoralists communities. The conflicts hitherto associated with men, ignored women pastoralists’ role in the same conflict. Using an existing data and an open-ended qualitative approach the study sought answers on the role of women pastoralists in conflict in the horn of Africa. Results show that women have a hand in conflict either by offering active or passive support. The review takes note that women’s involvement in conflict has evolved to peace-building. In conclusion, the study notes women play a role in conflict which however remains under-valued. Further, the emerging spaces occupied by women led conflict mediation has yet to challenge institutionalized discrimination of both traditional and contemporary systems by way of strong women movements. Therefore the study recommends the need for policies that support more inclusivity including adoption of better integration and harnessing of conflict mechanisms to benefit women

LAND REFORM IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVOLUTION: LESSONS FROM KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA

Kenya’s development context is greatly influenced by land use and ownership. Consequently land holds immense cultural, spiritual and socio-political significance for nearly all communities. However, proper utilization of land has been besmirched by numerous challenges. Vulnerable and marginalized groups such as women, children and youth have borne the brunt of land challenges. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 in appreciation of these complex dynamics has sought to provide a blue print for the realization of land reforms. It is in this regard, that the County Government of Kajiado drawing on its devolved mandate undertook key land reform measures. Applying the criteria of subsidiarity and consensus, Kajiado County realized homegrown policy solution to land challenges. Alongside, useful lessons worth learning such as the importance of harnessing local political capital; involvement of diverse community voices; creation of spaces to entrench global good practice as well as working with and through legitimate structures emerged

LAND REFORM IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVOLUTION: LESSONS FROM KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA

Kenya’s development context is greatly influenced by land use and ownership. Consequently land holds immense cultural, spiritual and socio-political significance for nearly all communities. However, proper utilization of land has been besmirched by numerous challenges. Vulnerable and marginalized groups such as women, children and youth have borne the brunt of land challenges. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 in appreciation of these complex dynamics has sought to provide a blue print for the realization of land reforms. It is in this regard, that the County Government of Kajiado drawing on its devolved mandate undertook key land reform measures. Applying the criteria of subsidiarity and consensus, Kajiado County realized homegrown policy solution to land challenges. Alongside, useful lessons worth learning such as the importance of harnessing local political capital; involvement of diverse community voices; creation of spaces to entrench global good practice as well as working with and through legitimate structures emerged

REVIEWING THE ROLE OF WOMEN PASTORALIST IN CONFLICTS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

The Horn of Africa has seen its fair share of natural resource conflicts among and between competing pastoralists communities. The conflicts hitherto associated with men, ignored women pastoralists’ role in the same conflict. Using an existing data and an open-ended qualitative approach the study sought answers on the role of women pastoralists in conflict in the horn of Africa. Results show that women have a hand in conflict either by offering active or passive support. The review takes note that women’s involvement in conflict has evolved to peace-building. In conclusion, the study notes women play a role in conflict which however remains under-valued. Further, the emerging spaces occupied by women led conflict mediation has yet to challenge institutionalized discrimination of both traditional and contemporary systems by way of strong women movements. Therefore the study recommends the need for policies that support more inclusivity including adoption of better integration and harnessing of conflict mechanisms to benefit women