Kordofan State in west Sudan covers about 24 percent of the country with a diverse population with different livelihoods. Precipitation is low but the Abu Habil stream runs through the region. A series of severe droughts has threatened the population. There have been conflicts, most of them related to grazing agricultural land or to water. The Native Authority had played an important role in resolving issues, but when it was disbanded conflicts between groups surfaced.

The local administration established a water distribution project without proper consultation with the local population. The project secured water for upstream areas but deprived those living downstream from their share. Inevitably, this led to the destruction of part of the system by local people. Only then did the Local Administration resolve the conflict by constructing water gates that would release water downstream.

The conflict could have been prevented if the Administration had conducted technical and socio-economic evaluation to reach a consensus through negotiation. The local population have traditional conflict resolution approaches, such as Gudia, which means mediation. Ethnic group chiefs also play a big role in resolving conflicts.

Conclusions

• Resolution should be based on traditional conflict resolution methods.
• Local leaders should be key players in resolving conflict.
• Technical and socio-economic studies should be complemented with traditional approaches and knowledge.
• It is essential to consider different interests.