By:Lina Mwamachi & Hezron Kimari
For a very long time, pastoralist, famers and camel herders in Njoro Masaaini, Taveta Sub-County in Taita Taveta County, have been fighting over water resource, which it’s availability is dwindling day by day, attributed to climate change, human activities and poor water management of water sources.
Occasionally, Camel herders, conflicted with the local farmers and herders, while seeking water for their camels, thus raising disputes between them over the important commodity. Despite all this, these pastoralists and farmers have stories of hope to tell, which describe the peace, security and cooperation of the future.
Produced by Lina Mwamachi Visuals by Hezron Kimari.
Timothy Matheka, a village elder in Njoro Masaini, says, as elders they have always solved issues and disputes amicably and fostering peaceful solution and good relations, among the livestock and camel herders and farmers. He however, is asking the government and donors to address the water issue in the area.
Furthermore, an environmentalist and water expert from Geo Probe Company Limited, Taita Taveta, County Brighton Mwawana, says it is important to protect the environment and water sources, in order to prevent water conflicts between communities and maintain long-term peace.
IGAD member states collaborate to advance water security by exploring ways to manage shared water resources effectively, by increasing water options and using modern science to enhance efficiency in utilizing both surface and groundwater sources, aiming at reducing scarcity levels and promoting regional integration and peace, in order to prevent conflicts over water resources.
Commander Abebe Muluneh, director for IGAD security sector program who is also IGAD head of mission to Ethiopia, cites that water contributes a large percentage to peace and good relations in communities, especially pastoralists.
Commander Abebe says pastoralist communities and farmers need water for their livestock and pasture, especially in the IGAD region, stressing the creation of sustainable strategies to ensure water is equitable for all in all IGAD areas, in order to end conflicts and maintain security and long lasting peace.
However, the 2023 UNESCO report cites that cooperation on water resources has yielded positive and peaceful results, ranging from participative, community-based initiatives to conflict reduction and peacebuilding after water crises.
Further, the report concludes that, inequality in the supply of water resources and access to water could be counterbalanced by peace and social stability.
On 22 March this year 2024, it was world water day, the main goal was Leveraging Water For Peace”, highlighting how good water cooperation can strengthen good, secure, peaceful relations for many years.
Evidently, water plays a crucial role in peace and conflicts, especially as water becomes scarcer with increasing populations, overuse, mismanagement, and climate change.
listen to the Podcast above for more:-
