The management of conflict over trans-border natural resources in the Mano River Basin, 2000-2015

Abstract

This study examined management of conflict over trans-border natural resources for development in the Mano River Basin. Achieving development has been a recurring challenge. It has witnessed vicious conflicts which decimated over 300,000 people and displaced millions of others. If left unattended, the conflict could expand and destabilize the whole region. The study therefore set out to understand the problem with an aim of proffering possible alternative solutions. The researcher argues that there is need to examine the management of conflicts which have affected sustainable development. Using a cross-sectional study design, the study covered a sample of 570 respondents. The data were analysed using inferential analysis. The study found that institutional factors did not influence sustainable development. Weak and ineffective institutional factors - policies, cultural practices, information exchange channels, support service unavailability and decision-making politics underpinned the attainment of sustainable development. Another problem was lack of uniform application of national, regional and international laws. It recommended the enhancement and strengthening of institutional factors, with emphasis on policies, cultural practices, conflict management practices, information exchange channels, support service availability and decision making politics that emboldens creation of employment opportunities and equitable income distribution. It also recommended improvement and application of management, adaptive, collaboration and stakeholder approaches. It underpinned the enforcement of regulatory factors which included the national laws, the regional and international protocols, agreements, property rights observance, harmonization of trade and tax regimes and their functionality. It recommends how to address the different conflicts, the competing interests, diversity and public policy. These call for the revisiting of the old strategies in order to develop new ones for managing the emerging conflicts and affect development in the Mano River Union.