environmental degradation as a cause of conflict in - Steiner Graphics

to conflicts between the nomads and the farmers.• The weakening and politicization of the traditional local administrative systemhas undermined its effectiveness in minimizing conflicts between thepastoralists and the farmers.• The lack of development in the agricultural sector to increase real productivityhas led to horizontal expansion and increased friction between animalsand agriculture.• Governmental policies and its strategy in managing the grassroots issues,especially those regulations that are not based on suitable and practicalways, such as selling of unattended animal fences to the merchants in thevillages as a source of revenue, the communal – talaig – regulations havesubstantially intensified the present friction and conflicts between the farmersand the pastoralists.RecommendationsFrom the above conclusions, the following recommendations are proposed for considerationby the concerned bodies in order to minimize conflict between the stakeholdersand thus contribute to peacebuilding in Darfur:• The development and improvement of agricultural and livestock sectorsthrough scientific means to increase productivity and thus decrease frictionand conflict between the stakeholders in the two sectors.• The abolition of communal grazing in the agricultural areas throughout theyear. Abolishing the talaig regulations would mutually benefit both the farmersand the animal breeders. This, in turn, would initiate and encouragefodder cultivation and thus develop the animal production substantially.• Camel raising has become very expensive and with a very low growth andreturn. Camel nomads should be encouraged to shift from camel breeding tosheep raising which is more feasible.• The far north underground water aquifers (Um Byada, Wadi Hawar basins)should be used through the drilling of boreholes, and used for fodder productionfor the pastoral communities.• Monitoring and stopping the Chadian camel herders from entering Darfurshould be considered, because they are the main cause for most of the conflictsbetween the pastoralists and farmers in Darfur.43