The Impact of Armed Conflict on the Socio-Economic Empowerment of the People of Noya District: a Case Study of Anaka Sub-County

Abstract

The study set out to establish the impact of Armed Conflicts on the socio-economic empowerment of the people in Nwoya district: A case study of Anaka Sub-County. The research investigated the causes of armed conflict, the effects of armed conflicts, how armed conflicts have affected the people in Anaka Sub-County and the remedies suggested for addressing armed conflicts.

The study employed majorly qualitative approach for data analysis and to a less extent quantitative approach. The main tools used for data collection was interview guides, questionnaire and observation checklist. The sample size was 75 respondents. The quantitative paradigm helped in making precise estimates backed by statistical information often very useful for decision making because they are straight forward and objectively verifiable while qualitative paradigm helped to generate rich detailed data that leave the participants’ perspectives intact and provide a context for their behavior since respondents provide their own explanations in a participatory exchange with interviewers.

The study found that the causes and effects of armed conflicts are three fold that is social, political and economic though the economic causes like greed for wealth and economic status often play an important role. The arms are mainly accessed during government overthrows or direct purchases from illegal markets. The study also points out leadership and power struggles, the marginalization of some regions or areas of the country and democratic practices as causes of armed conflicts. The study reveals that armed conflicts are generally not desirable for socio-economic empowerment due to their destructive nature. The level of productivity fails significantly low among the people because the young energetic productive labour force is forced out of the rural areas. Other effects include a sick and traumatized population, many of whom suffer from nutritional effects like malnutrition, physical injuries and diseases related to social interactions mainly sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and HIV/AIDA and others.

The study concludes that the missing links for the people’s socio-economic empowerment is peace. The effect of armed conflicts in Nwoya ranges from trauma, low productivity, sick population, family separations and a culture of violence in the community. These have significantly affected their socio-economic empowerment. It was discovered that armed conflicts have affected many people and if nothing is done, armed conflicts will continue to cause death among our people. Therefore, this study is necessary for comparing and contrasting conflict affected and peaceful communities.

The study recommends that there should be a dialogue beginning at community, regional and national levels with the overall purpose of working for democratic and peaceful societies. The dialogue should aim at providing forums for citizens, political parties, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and government agencies to discuss the underlying causes of armed conflicts, providing mechanisms of follow-ups and developing specific action points to address any underlying tensions. Also, proper allocation and distribution of national resources, with proper monitoring mechanisms should be put in place to ensure equitable and effective use of resources.

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