Influence of Preventive Diplomacy on Management of Land-Based Conflicts among Pastoralist Communities in Samburu County

Abstract

Preventive diplomacy can be traced back to various civilizations where treaties were concluded and alliances formed. However, this strategy at community level remains a challenge due to lack of preventive structure frameworks. The study investigated the influence of preventive diplomacy on management of land-based conflicts among pastoralist communities in Samburu County. Specific objectives included

investigating the influence of early warning system, fact-finding missions, confidence- building measures, and mediation and negotiation on management of land-based

conflicts among the pastoralist communities in Samburu County. Peace theory, broken window theory, and relative deprivation theory anchored the study while longitudinal descriptive research design was adopted. Target population comprised 424 individuals from institutions involved in peace and security discourses where stratified random sampling technique was applied to select 206 respondents through Yamane formula. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS version 25 computer software and presented using tables and figures. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis technique and presented using narratives. The response rate was 74%, with 153 of 206 respondents managing to participate in the study. Findings indicated that preventive diplomacy significantly influenced management of land-based conflicts. Some of the specific early warning system elements included early warning monthly bulleting, smart phone app for monitoring and dissemination, as well as traditional knowledge. Fact finding was used to verify facts in order to arrive at the truth, however, its efficacy is marred by lack of flexible structures at community level. Various forms of CBMs exercised included, trade, education, religion, sports, interethnic marriages, disarmaments, security operations, and the annual 5 days’ camel caravans. Mediation and negotiation are the main preventive practice in negotiating for reciprocal grazing rights and adopting peace resolutions, however, lack of consistent rules and procedure, poor negotiation structures, limited negotiation capacity, and uncoordinated negotiations are major drawbacks. The study recommended increased consultation and collaboration between pastoralists, state and non-state actors to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of preventive diplomacy. Further research should be undertaken on the challenges of preventive diplomacy as a strategy for managing land-based conflicts among pastoralist communities in Kenya.