Description

Abstract: The international border between Kenya and Ethiopia occurs in a remote rangeland area. The border has witnessed increased conflicts in recent years, especially between Gabra and Borana pastoralists. The border has also been subjected to heightened political tensions. In this study researchers from both sides of the border have joined together for the first time to conduct extensive field work. General objectives for this research are to characterize key natural resources and pastoral migration routes along the border and better understand elements of cross-border conflict. We interviewed some 200 pastoralists and mapped the area using GPS technology. Research findings indicate that pastoral communities have traditionally moved across the international border primarily in search of forage for livestock during dry periods. Such movements, however, have been recently curtailed due to conflicts. There are many border sites now considered as unutilized “no-man’s lands.” Ethnic and political tensions have also negatively affected development projects and cross-border trade. There is an ongoing need for the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, traditional leadership institutions, as well as local development agents and other elites to support peace and reconciliation initiatives if the situation is to improve.