M – 00459Research & Analytical Article The Practices of Peacebuilding in South Omo: A Qualitative Case Study in Hammer, Dassanech, Nyangatom Woreda and the Turkana Kenya Community

The study examined the practices of peacebuilding in the south Omo zone pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities of Dassanech, Hamer, Nyangatom, Woreda of Ethiopia and the Kenya-Turkana cross-border resource-based conflicts. The study investigated internal and cross-border peacebuilding practices. To achieve the objective of the study, a qualitative research approach and case study research design were used. The study revealed that peace is the highest priority of the pastoral and agro-pastoral community who view conflict as synonymous with starvation, and poverty. The study also revealed that peacebuilding efforts between the two communities involve a range of actors and approaches. Key actors include: the Government, non-state actors, international organizations, public administrators, intergovernmental organizations and indigenous community-based institutions. They play a significant role in conflict management, prevention, and resolution as part of the broader peacebuilding process. While the outcomes of these practices have been less effective, these initiatives are recognized as valuable foundations for advancing peacebuilding efforts. The study also finds that there is relative peace in the study area and the trends of conflict are reduced. However, the objective of building peace is still not achieved because of the lack of government commitment to engage in peacebuilding and the complex nature of conflicts. Factors such as environmental changes, land disputes, resource scarcity, drought, the proliferation of small arms, livestock raiding, and killings are identified as key causes and triggers of conflict and violence between the two communities The peacebuilding practices need to be done by various peace actors to create peace in the area. Moreover, developing new peace initiatives and peace leadership could play a vital role in the realization of peace in the area.