Distribution of Common Grazing Land and Conflict among Diverse Claimant Groups: The Case of Arbawash-Dingira Kebele, Jabitehinan Woreda, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State
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Date
2-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted with the general purpose of describing and explaining the disagreements
and conflicts associated with the distribution of common grazing land in Arbawash Dingira Kebele.
It particularly focused on finding out the purpose and criteria of distributing the common grazing
land; the claimant groups, their bases of claim, resources and mechanisms of interest realization; the
livelihood effect of, and the preference and attitude to the distributed common grazing land; and the
various measures taken and their consequences in mediating the different interest groups.
In order to answer all the specific objectives, research designs which have both qualitative and
quantitative nature were used. Hence, particular methods of research, i.e. focus group discussion,
key informant and in-depth interview, documentary research and survey were used in the study so as
to meet the specific objectives. In implementing the survey method, a questionnaire was developed
and administered to a total sample of 121 household heads who were selected from the two Gotts,
Kattal and Seblan, which are respectively found in Arbawash Mariam and Arbawash Michael Nius-
Kebeles.
As the findings indicate, from the early (6 hectares of land was distributed in 1999/2000 E.C.) and
late (21 hectares of land was distributed in 2003E.C1.) phases of distribution of the disputed common
grazing land it was found that defending some groups and individuals who were plowing the common
grazing land and getting benefit for rural households in the name of the church and for youth were
the major purposes or reasons for distribution with various criteria. Though there was a situation
where access was allowed for all, regardless of any criteria before, during and after the first time of
distribution, later criteria became more formalized. In the early phase of the distribution, the
claimant groups were the rural households of the three Nius-Kebeles. Later, however, the claimant
groups were polarized into the rural households of the two Nius-Kebeles, Arbawash Mariam and
Arbawash Michael with a various but contradictory bases of claim, mechanism and interest
realization. The income obtained from the land, livelihood ratings, the preferences and attitudes of
respondents to the distributed grazing land all indicate that most of the rural households in the two
Nius-kebels seemed unsatisfied on the livelihood effect made by the distributed grazing land for
which they have been in conflict. In solving the disagreements and conflicts on the different phases of
the distribution, both legal and traditional mechanisms of conflict management had been
implemented. However, the traditional mechanism of conflict management was more successful
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Keywords
Grazing Land ; Conflict