How natural is natural? Seeking conceptual clarity over natural resources and conflicts - Conflicts Over Natural Resources in the Global South - page 52

topic deal with: natural resources and conflict. This chapter will first present how dif-
ferent schools of thought and groups of researchers differ in the operationalisation of
these concepts. It is argued that these varied approaches impact upon theory building
and possess varying explanatory strengths. Examples will be drawn from pastoralist
societies and from insights as they are developing in the CoCooN-funded research
project on competing claims over natural resources in East Africa's drylands. 4 Sub-
sequently, this chapter suggests an alternative and more appropriate framework for
conflict analysis over natural resources.
Finally, a case study is presented that discusses a conflict over the exploitation
of gypsum (a soft sulphate mineral used for fertilizers) and marble mining. On the
surface, this example seems to be simple and straightforward. However, upon delving
deeper, the case shows a high degree of complexity and intricate variety of causes. It
underlines the need for those studying natural resource conflicts to apply a historical
analysis while taking into account the political economy of the specific context.
It is hoped that this contribution will assist in overcoming some of the distorting
effects of ambiguous conceptual use. The ultimate aim is to advance the debate on
conflicts and natural resources.
4.2 LACK OF CONCEPTUAL CLARITY
In 2010, a special issue of the African Journal on Conflict Resolution was published
by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Dispute (ACCORD). The
issue focuses on environmental conflicts (Bob and Bronkhorst 2010), and identifies
the following types:
1 Biodiversity conflicts - conflicts between people about wildlife or other aspects
of biodiversity. This includes conflicts relating to conservation of protected areas
and indigenous knowledge linked to natural resources.
2 Coastal zone conflicts - conflicts in these geographical zones could develop from
a combination of other types of conflicts.
3 Conflicts disproportionately affecting women - e.g., conflicts over land are
thought to hit women in particular.
4 Conflicts about air quality and noxious pollutants - considered to be a key type
of environmental conflict characterised by both legal and violent battles.
The list above presents a rather puzzling categorisation of environmental con-
flicts. It lumps a specific natural resource together with particular characteristics of a
conflict, such as the geographical location (coastal zones) or the most affected stake-
holders (women). It also differentiates land and water from the environment and, as a
consequence, distinguishes environmental conflicts from conflicts over land and water.
A broader review of existing academic and non-academic literature on natural
resources and conflicts highlights a generally ambiguous and confusing application of
4 The full title of the project is 'Land grab and dwindling water resources: reconciling competing
claims and conflicts over natural resources in Africa's dry lands, specifically Kenya.