Assessment of participatory mapping (ppm) capability in resolving land boundary conflict

The general objective of the study was to provide a method for solving land boundary conflict through participatory mapping. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to examine the source of conflict in land boundary, to determine weakness of traditional physical survey to resolve land boundary conflict and to develop measures for proper application of participatory GIS methods in resolving land boundary conflict. The study employed a mixed approach where the sample of 44 respondents was accessed with questionnaires and interview guides for primary data. Also secondary data were gathered using documentary review method. Descriptive statistics and content analysis methods were applied in analyzing data. The findings revealed that grazing in farmers’ land was the main source of land conflicts. Other sources include illegalities of the farmers’ initiatives in controlling grazing problems and lack of specialized animal routes. Also the findings revealed that the number of reported land boundary conflicts was reaching to an average of 81 and 86 conflicts for Pingo village and Chamakweza village respectively. Also the findings revealed that notwithstanding the declining trend of unresolved conflicts, on average unresolved conflicts constituted 43% and 38% of the reported conflicts at Pingo village and Chamakweza village respectively. Measures that were taken to resolve land boundary conflict included land misuse sanctions and use of cattle detain clashes which were subject to weaknesses including lack of participatory land use planning, poor compensation estimation and loop hole for corruption. It was found that involvement of all stakeholders in principles of PPM, adherence to the basic PPM, ensuring transparency in resolving land conflicts and institutionalizing collective local decisions were the key means for resolving land boundary conflicts.