Land and Conflict: Toolkit and Guidance for Preventing and Managing Land and Natural Resource Conflict
Publisher: EU-UN Partnership on Land and Natural Resources
Date: 2012
Topics: Assessment, Conflict Prevention, Gender, Land
Conflict arises when two or more groups believe their interests are incompatible. Conflict is not in itself a negative phenomenon. Non-violent conflict can be an essential component of social change and development, and is a necessary component of human interaction. Non-violent resolution of conflict is possible when individuals and groups have trust in their governing structures, society and institutions to manage incompatible interests.
Land and natural resource issues are almost never the sole cause of conflict. Land conflicts commonly become violent when linked to wider processes of political exclusion, social discrimination, economic marginalization, and a perception that peaceful action is no longer a viable strategy for change.