Modeling natural resources based conflict in Eastern Sudan : case studies from Gedarief State

Abstract EN

Natural resources based conflicts are examined in the semi arid eastern Sudan by studying the two villages of Sinaibra and Id el Tien, south of Gedarief Town, during November 2009.

The paper argues that, micro-micro and micro-macro types of conflicts are inextricably linked with natural resources competition; developmental pressures; structural injustices, climatic and demographic changes and acting as a catalyst to one others.

Results depict that, conflicts caused deportation of some tribes (18%); increasing penalties (18%); tribal fidelity and hatred (20م/،>); crop damage (20%); land grabs (10%); animal robbery (9%) and loss of life (5%).

The situation in Sinaibra and Id el Tien villages will be a showcase for the problem of non-violent conflicts and disputes as a constraint to sustainable natural resource utilization at the community level in Sudan.

Factors for conflicts in the study area are similar to those in the Sahelian zone where curbing conflicts at macro levels mostly proved difficult.

Acfoiowledging current and renewing events at micro levels which are closely related to society and geography will provide data base for mitigating and managing conflicts so as to promote resource utilization.

To achieve that, the paper proposes "triangle of environmental surveillance model " which works to equilibrate between human activities, the environment capacity and resource utilization for the study area.