Kurzfassung

The overall research objective of the project is to contribute to the understanding of the nexus of oil, conflict, and climate change in north-west Kenya. To reach this objective, the project is driven by the following hypotheses addressing the exploration and exploitation of oil (collectively termed “oil”).
H1: Oil poses a conflict risk for northwest Kenya
H2: Oil undermines the communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change
H3: Oil brings development opportunities to northwest Kenya
The...The overall research objective of the project is to contribute to the understanding of the nexus of oil, conflict, and climate change in north-west Kenya. To reach this objective, the project is driven by the following hypotheses addressing the exploration and exploitation of oil (collectively termed “oil”).
H1: Oil poses a conflict risk for northwest Kenya
H2: Oil undermines the communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change
H3: Oil brings development opportunities to northwest Kenya
The first hypothesis relates to the risk of oil to aggravate existing violent conflicts between communities, but also to the risk of creating new conflict within the Turkana community and between local communities and the operating oil company. Sources of conflict may include competition for key water and land resources, grievances over employment or environmental degradation caused by oil operations. The second hypothesis specifically addresses issues of altered access to and availability of water, land and migration routes. The third hypothesis aims to identify potential positive effects for the region, including improved infrastructure, revenues and employment and business opportunities.
To test these hypotheses qualitative field research based on individual and small group interviews and focus group discussions with community members and relevant stakeholders will be conducted. The research region includes Turkana and the border region to West Pokot.
The project is important because it will generate policy relevant recommendations on how to minimize the conflict risk associated with oil and how to maximize its benefits for the local community and Kenya as a whole. » weiterlesen» einklappen