Root causes of intra-ethnic conflicts among agro-pastoralists Kuria of Tarime, Tanzania

Abstract

The study whose findings are discussed in this article was conducted to unveil the socio-cultural related root causes of Intra-Ethnic conflicts among the Agro-Pastoralist Kuria of Tarime district in Tanzania with the aim of creating understanding on how socio-cultural dynamics have paved the way for the existing intra-ethnic conflicts among Kuria. Ethnographic research design guided by qualitative research approach was deployed to collect information. The collected data were subjected to content analysis to form themes and sub-themes of the study. The study findings revealed that, the Kuria historical legacy and strong upholding of cultural values propagated and transmitted from one generation to another through various cultural ritual practices have shaped the attitudes and thinking among Kuria towards the clan’s collective resource ownership and paving the way for the rise of the clan’s nationalism. This phenomenon has further strengthened segregations among clans, hatred, mistrust, violence, fighting, and revenge and therefore serving as the historical roots of intra-ethnic conflicts among Kuria clans. The study recommends inclusion of initiatives targeting the addressing of historical and cultural dynamics in the Tarime peacemaking process.

Keywords: Intra-ethnic conflict, historical manifestations, socio-cultural dynamics