Green Conflicts in Kenya’s Northern Drylands (FRONTLANDS)

project summary

Green Conflicts in Kenya’s Northern Drylands (FRONTLANDS) examines the impact of global and national green energy and biodiversity conservation initiatives in Northern Kenya's pastoral regions. The project seeks to understand how these green initiatives and state expansion strategies can lead to conflicts over land and resources, affecting the stability and livelihoods of local communities. FRONTLANDS will provide insights on implementing conservation and sustainable energy projects equitably, balancing environmental goals with indigenous rights.

The research integrates anthropology, history, international relations, and development studies to analyze the socio-political dynamics of these conflicts. By exploring 'green conflicts,' the project highlights challenges and suggests ways to align environmental sustainability with social justice, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for inclusive development. Insights from FRONTLANDS are intended to inform local and international policies, making it a crucial resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners in environmental governance, community planning, and conflict resolution.

FRONTLANDS also explores how the Kenyan state has leveraged global green agendas to extend its influence in the historically marginalized northern drylands, now central to Kenya's green energy and conservation ambitions. Large areas have been designated for wind farms, solar power stations, and community conservancies, leading to significant socio-economic changes and intensifying conflicts over land use, resource allocation, and cultural heritage. By examining 'green conflict assemblages,' FRONTLANDS investigates how various factors—from international policies to local practices—interact and contribute to the often-volatile nature of these conflicts.

The project also emphasizes the historical context, tracing how past policies and interventions have shaped present dynamics in the drylands. Understanding these historical continuities and ruptures is essential for anticipating future tensions. Moreover, FRONTLANDS advocates for more inclusive and participatory planning approaches, respecting local knowledge, practices, and rights. By doing so, the project aims to develop more just and sustainable environmental governance frameworks that mitigate conflicts and foster peaceful coexistence in these ecologically and culturally rich regions.