International Journal of Academic Pedagogical Research (IJAPR)   Year: 2022 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 6 | Page No.: 17-30 Conflict Resolution Strategies and Social Cohesion of Local Communities in Kyanamira Subcounty, Kabale District Download PDF Moses Ntirandekura and Barigye Samwuel Abstract: The study aimed at establishing the relationship between conflict resolution strategies and social cohesions of local communities in Kabale district with reference to Kyanamira Sub County. The study was guided by objectives which were to explore the causes of conflicts in local communities in Kyanamira Sub County, Kabale district, to establish the effect of conflicts on social cohesion in local communities in Kyanamira Sub County, Kabale district and to identify interventions by local communities and government agencies to address conflicts and improve social cohesion. The study used cross-sectional research design. A sample size of 209 respondents was used. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data collection was done using questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. Data presentation was done using frequency tables and percentages. In the light of factors influencing occurrence of conflicts, it is concluded that delay in solving land conflicts, poor community participation in conflict resolutions, corruption and scarcity of resources are among the major causes of land conflicts. These factors influence occurrence of land conflicts; if they were tackled and dealt with as early as possible, this would significantly contribute to ending land based conflicts. With regard to efforts made to mitigate land conflicts in the study area, it was found that government and traditional institutions had been playing a major role in resolving land conflicts. Also, it was found that other actors such as CSOs and religious institutions were important in mitigating conflicts in communities. It is clear that different stakeholders, government, religious, and traditional institutions play a key role in mitigating land based conflicts in the study area. However, one may conclude that much more coordinated, reliable, sustainable, and prompt measures are needed to deal with land conflicts in the study area. Based on the findings, it was recommended that awareness creation on land related matters and conflict resolutions should be considered as a priority issue for security of land use by smallholder communities. In order to maintain peace and harmony in the society, change of the mind-set of different land user groups and farming should consider the value of each other in order to avoid land conflicts.