Managing natural resource claims conflicts using Endogenous Approaches

Many African countries are experiencing continuous conflicts as a result of natural resource claims and usage. This research sets itself to look at the problem of competing claims over dwindling natural resources (land, water and forest areas) by multi-stakeholders in the Bawku West District of Ghana. Apparently, the current mechanisms being used in handling natural resource claims conflicts are not yielding desired and long term solution. Hence the study sought to answer the question, ¿what are the endogenous and exogenous ways of managing competing natural resource claims conflicts in the study area?¿¿. The findings revealed that there is a high sense of traditional and cultural values as bonding force. The conclusion of this research is that natural resource claims conflicts are better managed using the endogenous approaches; reinforced by social relations, cohesion and bonding communities and this should be central to efforts at managing natural resource claims conflicts. There is the need for a synergy in responding to the natural resource claims conflict as depicted in the framework developed herein.