Gender-Specific Challenges in Natural Resource Conflict Management: A Case Study of the River Rongai Area, Nakuru County, Kenya

Natural resource conflict management is the strategies and practices employed a community to address disputes over natural resources. In the River Rongai area, this process is shaped by societal, cultural, and institutional factors that influence participation in peacebuilding. The area experiences sporadic water conflicts among smallholder farmers, large-scale farmers and domestic users. This study sought to examine the gender-specific challenges that affect participation in natural resource conflict management in the River Rongai area. An explanatory sequential mixed methods research design was adopted. The study population comprised stakeholders involved in water use from the river, from which a sample of 138 respondents was selected using multistage sampling. Purposive sampling was employed to select key informants, including community leaders and local government officers and focus group participants. Data were collected through participant observation, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify emerging patterns, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. The results revealed notable gendered barriers to participation, including gender stereotypes, gendered divisions of labour and unequal access to decision-making spaces. Women, in particular, were underrepresented in key conflict resolution forums, while youth faced limited recognition of their role in peacebuilding. The study concludes that addressing gendered barriers through inclusive policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and equitable representation in decision-making is essential for sustainable natural resource conflict management.