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No Jobs, No Land, No Peace : A Case Study Examination of the Impact of Environmental and Socioeconomic Pressures on Young People's Involvement in Conflict Dynamics in Northwestern Kenya

Marthin, Amalie LU (2024) MIDM19 20241
Department of Human Geography
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Abstract
This thesis explores the interplay of environmental degradation, socioeconomic pressures, and pastoral conflict dynamics in Northwestern Kenya, emphasising the role of young people. While initially aimed at understanding how these factors drive traditional conflicts, the research reveals that environmental changes act more as 'threat multipliers' than direct causes. It shifts focus to the impact of these conflicts on young people, addressing a gap in the literature regarding how socioeconomic and environmental factors influence their role in conflicts. Using a qualitative approach based on Galtung's structural and cultural violence typologies, the research integrates a literature review with seven semi-structured interviews. The findings... (More)
This thesis explores the interplay of environmental degradation, socioeconomic pressures, and pastoral conflict dynamics in Northwestern Kenya, emphasising the role of young people. While initially aimed at understanding how these factors drive traditional conflicts, the research reveals that environmental changes act more as 'threat multipliers' than direct causes. It shifts focus to the impact of these conflicts on young people, addressing a gap in the literature regarding how socioeconomic and environmental factors influence their role in conflicts. Using a qualitative approach based on Galtung's structural and cultural violence typologies, the research integrates a literature review with seven semi-structured interviews. The findings show that droughts, high unemployment, and limited education drive youth involvement in violence, exacerbated by systemic issues like corruption and poor governance. Findings reveal that droughts, high unemployment and limited educational opportunities drive youth involvement in violent activities, exacerbated by systemic issues like corruption and poor governance. The research highlights the potential for youth to be agents of positive change. Community-based peacebuilding and vocational training are identified as effective strategies to mitigate conflict and offer alternatives to violence. Integrating youth into peacebuilding efforts is proposed as a key pathway to fostering sustainable solutions and supporting regional stability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Marthin, Amalie LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM19 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Conflict, Kenya, Environmental Change, Socioeconomic Pressures, Young People, Livestock Raiding, Peacebuilding
language
English
id
9172553
date added to LUP
2024-09-10 17:02:19
date last changed
2024-09-10 17:02:19
@misc{9172553,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the interplay of environmental degradation, socioeconomic pressures, and pastoral conflict dynamics in Northwestern Kenya, emphasising the role of young people. While initially aimed at understanding how these factors drive traditional conflicts, the research reveals that environmental changes act more as 'threat multipliers' than direct causes. It shifts focus to the impact of these conflicts on young people, addressing a gap in the literature regarding how socioeconomic and environmental factors influence their role in conflicts. Using a qualitative approach based on Galtung's structural and cultural violence typologies, the research integrates a literature review with seven semi-structured interviews. The findings show that droughts, high unemployment, and limited education drive youth involvement in violence, exacerbated by systemic issues like corruption and poor governance. Findings reveal that droughts, high unemployment and limited educational opportunities drive youth involvement in violent activities, exacerbated by systemic issues like corruption and poor governance. The research highlights the potential for youth to be agents of positive change. Community-based peacebuilding and vocational training are identified as effective strategies to mitigate conflict and offer alternatives to violence. Integrating youth into peacebuilding efforts is proposed as a key pathway to fostering sustainable solutions and supporting regional stability.}},
  author       = {{Marthin, Amalie}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{No Jobs, No Land, No Peace : A Case Study Examination of the Impact of Environmental and Socioeconomic Pressures on Young People's Involvement in Conflict Dynamics in Northwestern Kenya}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}