THE CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY - INDUCED CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY OF NORTHERN KENYA, 1963-2012
Jane Wangare Waikenda - Masters of Arts in International Studies, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS), University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Population and environment are closely entwined in a complex and dynamic relationship. Over the past three to four decades, some economists, biologists, and environmentalists have been debating the role of population in environmental degradation. The objective of this study is to investigate the concept of environmentally induced conflict. A qualitative approach will be adopted to produce the descriptive data to assess the concept of environmentally induced conflict in Northern Kenya. The findings of the study where that environmentally induced conflict has hampering development initiatives in Northern Kenya area. This implies an urgent need for restoration and sustainability of a peaceful environment among the target communities as one of the priorities by the Kenyan government partners and other stakeholders. Political, social and economic factors are closely linked to the key factors that have influenced environmentally induced conflict in Northern Kenya.
