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Article Title:
Causes and Effects of Post-Election Violence on Agricultural Production in Kesses Division, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
by Chedotum Kamunyan; Cheserek Grace J., Kiptui Mark, and Arusei Eudia J.

Abstract:
In December 2007 general elections, Kenya experienced violence arising from rigged presidential results. Many scholars have studied the causes and effects of these post election violence, but not much has done on the area of violence effects on agriculture particularly in Kesses division that bore the brunt of these conflicts. This research seeks to examine the causes and effects of post- election violence on agricultural production in Kesses division, Uasin Gishu County. The study objectives were to; establish the causes of post- election violence, evaluate the agricultural profit and loss margins from different farming systems, assess the effects of violence on agriculture and farm productivity and suggest policy development in resolving post-election violence. The study was guided by conflict theory by Moller (2003). The significance of the study is the fact that 60% of Kenyans economy dependents on agriculture and thus the livelihoods of 80% of residents in Kesses depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture. The study sample was calculated at 125 households covering four locations that were randomly sampled from ten locations in Kesses division. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, observation and in-depth interview with key informants. Qualitative data was analyzed using the content analysis methodology while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 13. The findings show election violence was due to a multiplicity of factors that were largely triggered by the disputed presidential election results. The defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya and powerful politicians are largely reported responsible for the violent outbreak. The study showed that immigrants were disproportionately affected by the violence compared to the natives. The results indicate violence slowed down agricultural activities, delayed land preparation, disrupted routine farm management operations, impaired harvesting of horticultural products, reduced income from crop and livestock products and exposed farms to environmentally unsustainable practices. The study recommends policy strategies that will cushion farmers against possible future occurrences of violence including; provision of seeds and agricultural farm input subsidies, strengthening government responses during violence and land registration.

Keywords: political conflicts, conflict management, politics and agriculture, ethnic clashes

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