| dc.description.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. | en_US |
