The Religious Divide: Exploring Religious Conflict and Resource Disputes at Lake Kariba

Conflicts over the availability of water resources, either due to socio-cultural or economic reasons, are a common problem across differing communities worldwide. Disputes arise when resources become scarce, and one group gains dominance over others. At Kariba, such conflicts occur between various social and racial groups. These groups consist of local communities, conservationists and migrants. This chapter focuses on the conflicts prevailing between local groups and conservationists, as well as conflicts among the indigenous groups living around and/or affected by Kariba dam. The primary issue revolves around the conflicting interests among these different groups. Each group seeks to access resources for its own agendas, often while opposing the others. This chapter explores the intricate social, economic and political interests held by these different groups when it comes to accessing the Lake. Disputes arise regarding access to the Lake and its surrounding resources, including wildlife and forests. Intertwined within these water disputes are assertions made by local communities, emphasising their spiritual and religious interactions with the Lake, which attempt to exclude others from accessing the water resources. Each local group justifies its desire to access the Lake through idioms of religion. It is also about feeling excluded and marginalised, and trying to gain recognition and legitimacy, which in turn would allow access to resources.