Investigating the resolution of water-related conflicts through local approaches in Punjab, Pakistan

This study aimed to explore the use of local strategies by the farmers to resolve water-related conflicts in District Gujranwala of the Punjab, province. Total 384 farmers chosen at random were interviewed face to face on a structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages, mean and F-test. Findings indicated that distribution of canal water at farm level (x̄=3.6), water theft (x̄=3.18) and Illegal ways of usage of canal water (x̄=3.14) were the key causes of water conflicts. Whereas, Panchayat (x̄=3.90), intermarriage between the conflicting parties (x̄=3.46), Payment of compensation to victims (x̄=3.46), Political pressure (x̄=3.42), use of thana culture (x̄=3.37) and migration (x̄=3.37) were the prominent strategies adopted locally by the farmers to resolve the conflicts. This study concludes that farmers had over-reliance on the non-formal judicial system, thus a comparison of the non-formal and formal judicial systems is suggested for future researchers. Moreover, a proactive institutional role is much needed for the formal resolution of conflicts and stoppage of water theft.