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Pastoral conflicts and state-building in the Ethiopian lowlands

Author

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  • Tobias Hagmann
  • Alemmaya Mulugeta

Abstract

This paper draws attention to the central role played by the Ethiopian state in reconfiguring contemporary (agro-)pastoral conflicts in its semi-arid lowlands. Contrary to primordialist and environmental conflict theories of pastoralist violence, we shed light on the changing political rationality of inter-group conflicts by retracing the multiple impacts of state-building on pastoral land tenure and resource governance, peacemaking and custommary authorities, and competition over state resources. Based on an extensive comparative review of recent case studies, post-1991 administrative decentralisation is identified as a major driving force in struggles for resources between transhumant herders in Ethiopia’s peripheral regions. Our analysis emphasises the politicisation of kinship relations and group identities and the transformation of conflict motives under the influence of the gradual incorporation of (agro-)pastoral groups into the Ethiopian nation-state. Ethnic federalism incites pastoralists to engage in parochial types of claim-making, to occupy territory on a more permanent basis and to become involved in ‘politics of difference’ with neighbouring groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Hagmann & Alemmaya Mulugeta, 2008. "Pastoral conflicts and state-building in the Ethiopian lowlands," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 43(1), pages 19-38.
    • Handle: RePEc:gig:afjour:v:43:y:2008:i:1:p:19-38
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Belachew Gebrewold, 2009. "Ethiopian Nationalism: An Ideology to Transcend All Odds," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 44(1), pages 79-97.
    2. Jeylan Wolyie Hussein, 2016. "Examining the nature of defensively situated politics of difference, identity and essentialism in Ethiopia: A critical engagement," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 340-354, December.
    3. Asebe Regassa Debelo, 2012. "Contesting Views on a Protected Area Conservation and Development in Ethiopia," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 1(1), pages 1-20, November.
    4. Yeneayehu Fenetahun & Yuan You & Xinwen Xu & Vincent Nzabarinda & Yongdong Wang, 2021. "The Impact of Political Instability on Sustainable Rangeland Management: A Study of Borana Rangeland, Southern Ethiopia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-16, April.
    5. Gargule A. Achiba, 2019. "Navigating Contested Winds: Development Visions and Anti-Politics of Wind Energy in Northern Kenya," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-29, January.
    6. Verbrugge, Boris, 2015. "Decentralization, Institutional Ambiguity, and Mineral Resource Conflict in Mindanao, Philippines," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 449-460.
    7. McPeak, John G. & Little, Peter D., 2018. "Mobile Peoples, Contested Borders: Land use Conflicts and Resolution Mechanisms among Borana and Guji Communities, Southern Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 119-132.
    8. Dilshad Ahmad & Muhammad Afzal, 2022. "Impact of violent conflicts and environmental hazards on pastoral sustainable development in Punjab, Pakistan," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(9), pages 11260-11281, September.

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