Turkana Farmers and Pastoralists agree to share Resources

Turkana Farmers and Pastoralists agree to share Resources

By Koech Cheruiyot Denis

Turkana pastoralists and farmers living in Nakwamoru and Katilu in Turkana South Constituency have agreed to share natural resources. This follows months of brewing conflict between the two factions emanating from use of River Turkwel water. Pastoralists had claimed farmers had blocked their access to water of River Turkwel by cultivating along the river. Farmers, on the other hand, had claimed pastoralists were intentionally driving their livestock into their farms.

On sensing the conflict, PEARL partner Turkana Pastoralists development Organization (TUPADO) organized an intra-community dialogue in Nakuse to address the simmering conflict. More than 300 pastoralists and farmers attended the dialogue meeting. Area MP James Lomenen attended the event held on June 17, 2016.

 The meeting was meant to improve the relationship between farmers. Prior to the meeting, there were cases of livestock thieves driving livestock through farms leading to punishment being meted on the farmers over claims that they were responsible.

Turkana South MP, James Lomenen termed the conflict a set-back to the current prevailing peace.

“It is a shame that after deciding to live in peace with our neighbors (Pokot) who we fought against for a long time, we have now started fighting against ourselves,” Lomenen said. “We cannot allow this conflict to continue. We should agree to share resources and live in peace. Let us give room to development activities.”

During the meeting, farmers and pastoralists agreed to map out paths leading to watering points as well as fence the farms. They also agreed to work together in reporting suspected livestock theft cases. Two peace committees from the two locations were tasked with fast tracking the process.