Intercultural Communication in Conflict Management: A Case Study of the Karamoja Cluster

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Science in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for Master’s Degree in International RelationsCommunities in the Karamoja cluster have been embroiled in conflict for many years, occasioned by competition for resources especially grazing land and water. The general objective of the study was to establish the role of intercultural communication in conflict management with special focus on Karamoja cluster. The study specifically aimed to: determine the role of culture in fueling conflict among the Karamoja cluster communities; ascertain the impact of cultural diversity on peace building efforts among the Karamoja communities; and, establish the importance of intercultural communication in resolution of conflicts among the Karamoja cluster communities. The study sought to establish why in spite of diverse efforts to deescalate the conflict it still occurred among the communities. This was established by answering these three research questions: how does culture fuel conflict among the Karamoja cluster communities? to what extent does cultural diversity impact on peace building efforts among the Karamoja communities?, what is the importance of intercultural communication in resolution of conflicts among the Karamoja cluster communities? Descriptive research design was employed to conduct the study and generalize the findings to all the communities. The study population comprised of the Provincial Administration Officers, representatives of Civil Society Organization and Faith- based groups, and local residents in both Turkana and West Pokot districts. The study used stratified random sampling approach to get the study sample population. Questionnaires were used as the main tool for collecting primary data while secondary data was derived from books, journals, internet and other publications. The study was able to establish the role of intercultural communication in conflict management in Karamoja cluster. A lack of clear understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity has led to misconceptions between the cluster communities leading to recurrent conflicts. The study was also able to determine the role of culture in fueling conflict among the Karamoja cluster communities, ascertain the impact of cultural diversity on peace building efforts among the Karamoja communities, and establish the importance of intercultural communication in resolution of conflicts among the Karamoja cluster communities