Stabilization, Peacebuilding, and Sustainability in the Horn of Africa
Abstract
Stabilization, peace building, and sustainability in an unstable and famine-prone region like the Horn of Africa are predicated on a holistic approach that addresses environmental degradation, conflict, and their interrelationship. They posit a set of options intended to bring sustainable development as well as security from conflict and struggles over scarce resources. This approach is especially salient in the Horn of Africa because the region combines high levels of environmental stress manifested in periodic famine and struggles over diminishing arable farm and grazing lands and conflict (e.g., interstate wars, civil wars, and communal clashes). The region is also one in which environmental disasters (especially famine) and conflicts have been interrelated. This article addresses the problems of peace building, sustainability, and stabilization in the Horn of Africa and the interrelationship of environmental degradation, instability, and conflict. It assesses the extent to which degradation causes instability and focuses on the spiraling effects of natural disasters, degradation, and conflict on famine, destabilization, and conflict. It examines efforts, especially in pastoral areas of Kenya and Ethiopia, to mitigate environmental degradation and conflict as well as extremism and terrorism. Thus, a sustainability and stabilization assessment is used to examine environmental degradation, conflict, and their interrelationship and what can be done to overcome degradation and conflict. This article identifies a range of intervention policies and programs as well as tools and technologies that could increase sustainability and stability and delay, defer, or prevent failure. The article also identifies the range of stakeholders, including state and nonstate actors, IGOs, and NGOs, and determines their likely reactions to stabilization and sustainability efforts, as well as their willingness to accept constructive roles in the process of sustainable development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498784
Entities
People
- Stephen F. Burgess
Organizations
- Air War College