The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Resolving Conflicts Over Grazing Land and Water Resources: The Case of Afar and Karrayyu, Upper Awash

Abstract

Generally speaking pastoral areas are full of conflicts due to lack of natural resources such as grazing land, water and others. This article, therefore, aims at assessing the extent of conflict among the Afars and Karrayyu Oromo agro-pastoralists at the upper Awash and to explore the role of indigenous knowledge in resolving conflict between the two. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data which was generated from primary and secondary sources. Then convenience sampling used to select the required number of subjects (150). The method of data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. The SPSS software version 17 was also used. The overwhelming majority of the Karayyu and Afar agro- pastoralists are in conflict with each other over the use of land and water resources. As a result of conflict many pastoralists were killed, the number of livestock decreased. Finally, the article recommends in ensuring community participation in natural resources management and utilization.

Keywords:- Pastoralists, Conflict, Indigenous knowledge

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/46-04

Publication date:March 31^st 2019