Multiple dimensions of pastoral conflict over land and territory within the Afar region of Ethiopia

By Simone Rettberg

This presentation deals with the structural causes, impacts and mutual linkages of different violent conflicts between pastoral groups within the geopolitically important Afar region of Ethiopia. Based on a qualitative empirical case study within the Baadu area in the Middle Awash Basin it will be highlighted a) how actor constellations and underlying conflict interests have shifted in a context of increasing external influences within the last century and b) how this influenced the risk perceptions and adaptation strategies of Afar pastoralists. It is argued that the recent internal social tensions and conflicts between Afar clans over irrigable land along the Awash river in Baadu pose a much bigger challenge for the future livelihood security of the pastoral society than the chronic conflict with the Issa-Somali.