Assessment of multi-actor stakeholders’ role in conflict resolution in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted in tehsil Naushera Virkan of district Gujranwala, Punjab Pakistan with the emphasis on assessment of multi-actors roles in conflict resolution among rural people. Total 75 respondents selected through snowball sampling technique were interviewed face to face followed by two focus group discussions with the potential elite in area. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis approach. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation) were applied for the meaningful interpretation of data. Findings indicated that burning of crops (x̄ =3.90), loan on agricultural lands (x̄=3.89), inter-cast marriage system (x̄=3.87) and water distribution (x̄=3.76) were foremost reasons of conflicts as perceived by the respondents. Perceived conflicts had more impacts on the distribution of income (x̄=4.00), lack of unity (x̄=3.92) and farm production (x̄=3.91). Informal Judicial System (Panchayat) (x̄=4.18), Local leaders (Numberdar) (4.10), Elder family members/neighbours (x̄=4.00), Local police station (Thana) (x̄=3.95) and Politicians (x̄=3.94) were the key stakeholders playing role in conflicts resolution.