Abstract:
ABSTRACT
For several years, the different communities within Tharaka Districts have had to face a myriad
of challenges that have left them weak and impoverished. These challenges have been both
natural and man-made. They include; inter community warfare, land clashes/conflict over scarce
natural resources, population growth, hunger and famine. In understanding these major issues,
the region is unique as it is occupied by different ethnic communities/clans; these are the
Tharaka, Imenti, Tigania and Igembe sub tribes which make up the larger Meru tribe and the
Akamba people. It is important to note that each of the Ameru sub tribe has different tribal and
clan systems and rituals that are not common in the other sub-tribes.
Research methodology refers to procedures and techniques that help the researcher to accurately
carry out a study without bias. It involves description of research design, targeted population,
and the area of study, sampling designs, description of research instruments and data collection
and analysis procedures. All the data derived from answers to questionnaires, interview
schedules and focus group discussions were analyzed descriptively and presented in a narrative
form.
Characteristics of contemporary conflicts include the deliberate targeting of civilians, large scale
population displacement, grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law,
the targeting of international humanitarian personnel, and restrictions on humanitarian access to
civilians hence it is the obligation of the state and non-state actors to provide an environment in
which humanitarian organizations can effectively and safely deliver humanitarian assistance to
populations in need
