Resource-based conflict on women entrepreneurs in open air markets of Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Resource based conflict are prevalent in open air markets. Open air markets are ever crowded and often become conflict flashpoints because they bring large numbers of people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds together in a congested area. Resources that commonly cause conflicts include; physical, natural, financial, environmental and social. This paper has a bias on natural resources with a concern on water and sanitation in open air markets. The potential of climate change has contributed to the current water shortages in the world. Water crisis rates up to 90% in Kenya and yet counties have not made necessary efforts to avail water in open air markets. This paper was necessitated by the fact that Kisii County open air markets experience serious water and sanitation challenges. The objectives of this paper include: To find out the challenges women entrepreneurs experience due to lack of water and poor sanitation, to determine the kind of conflict that have emanated due to water crisis and examine the measures the county government is taking to ensure water availability for market users. This study adopted conflict theory. The sample frame was 300 women entrepreneurs from the four purposively picked open air markets as per Krechie and Morgan table and explored four markets of Daraja Mbili, Nyakoe, Suneka and Riosir. The use of questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were employed to solicit relevant information from the respondents. Information collected was analyzed using excel in terms of tables, graphs and pie charts. The findings clearly indicated that there is a serious water shortage and supply coupled with poor sanitation in the county especially in open air markets. In summary the demand for clean water and sanitation in Kisii County is wanting. It is the responsibility of the county to ensure the open air markets have sufficient supply of water and proper sanitation. This study recommends that the county seek for partnerships who assist and harvesting rainy water can be made mandatory in all open air markets.