Environmental Degradation, Resource Scarcity, and Ethnic Conflict: A Case of Dadaab, Kenya.

Abstract

The Dadaab refugee complex, situated in northeastern Kenya near the Somali border, is one of the largest and longest-standing refugee settlements in the world, hosting over 420,000 refugees, primarily from Somalia. Established in 1991 as a temporary shelter for displaced populations fleeing conflict, it has evolved into a semi-arid, resource-scarce region marked by environmental stress and complex ethnic dynamics. This study explores how environmental degradation in Dadaab—characterised by desertification, deforestation, and water scarcity—intensifies competition for dwindling natural resources and fuels ethnic conflict between refugee and host communities. Grounded in Environmental Security Theory, Ethnic Conflict Theory, and Governance Theory, the research employs a mixed-methods design, collecting data through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis from refugees, host community members, humanitarian actors, and local governance. Quantitative and qualitative techniques are used for data analysis. Findings reveal that environmental degradation has significantly reduced access to water, arable land, and firewood, while current resource management and conflict mitigation strategies are largely ineffective due to governance weaknesses and limited community participation. The study recommends sustainable interventions, including improved resource distribution systems, reforestation efforts, the adoption of renewable energy, and community-driven peacebuilding initiatives aimed at achieving equitable resource governance and lasting peace. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, humanitarian organisations, and local stakeholders in designing integrated, inclusive, and resilient strategies that address the interconnected challenges of environmental change, resource scarcity, and ethnic conflict in refugee-hosting settings, such as Dadaab.