Water resource distribution and peace building in pastoral communities: A Case study of selected sub-counties in Moroto district.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the extent to which water resource distribution in the selected Sub-Counties in Moroto District had contributed either positively or negatively towards peace among people in pastoral communities. The study specifically addressed three objectives that made the main themes for the investigation thus; 1. To assess the extent to which water resource distribution is a major destabilizing factor for peace among the people in Moroto District.

2. To identify other factors that may be responsible for lack of peace in Moroto District.

3. To suggest the various ways available for water resources that can be utilized to bring about peace in Moroto District.

A total of 136 respondents (16 key informants and 120 people from 12 focused discussion groups) were obtained from selected Sub-Counties of Lokopo and Lopeei in Bokora County, Nadunget and Rupa Sub-Counties in Matheniko County, Moroto District. The methods used for data collection were both qualitative and quantitative. The data from focused discussion groups and key informants was continuously analyzed qualitatively, while quantitative data was analyzed using Pearson Correlation Coefficient, pie-charts, tables and bar graphs. The tools used for data collection were a Questionnaire for focused group discussion and an interview guide for key informants. Three Research Questions were formulated to explore the relationship between water resource distribution and peace-building in pastoral communities. It was found out that peace-building in pastoral communities can be achieved if water resource is adequately provided. This is because the stability of livestock, growth of pastures among other things entirely depends on water supply. It was recommended that the Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment should construct a large water reservoir on River Lopeei where all major rivers in Karamoja drain into. This would provide water for both livestock and people throughout the year. It was also recommended that more studies should be carried out in connection with water resources, its impact on economic livelihoods, environmental degradation and conservation in pastoral areas, with the purpose of making people in semi-arid lands have meaningful and self reliant lives.