HMDVA81
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:339400
Due Date: 9 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, LITERATURE REVIEW STRATEGIES FOR THE CONCEPT OF “ECO-
VIOLENCE” IN THE SAHEL REGION
1. Introduction
The Sahel region of Africa has increasingly become a hotspot for intergroup violence
linked to competition over scarce water resources. In response to this, the concept of
“eco-violence” emerges as a potential new analytical term that captures the
intersection between environmental degradation, water scarcity, and conflict. A
comprehensive literature review is essential to conceptualise “eco-violence,” map
existing scholarship on environmental conflict in the Sahel, and identify theoretical
gaps. The review will focus on the relationship between environmental stress, social
structures, and intergroup dynamics. Using systematic strategies, the study will
gather, analyse, and synthesise peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, policy
reports, and regional case studies. Sources will be drawn from reputable databases,
the UNISA library, and prescribed e-reserves. This process will lay the groundwork
for positioning "eco-violence" within both academic and policy discourse. The review
will also distinguish between empirical findings and theoretical insights to inform the
eventual research framework.
2. How and Where Sources Will Be Searched
To develop the concept of “eco-violence,” I will use a comprehensive literature
search strategy that includes academic, institutional, and regional sources. Firstly, I
will access the UNISA Library’s online catalogue and databases such as JSTOR,
Scopus, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These platforms provide access to peer-
reviewed journal articles, books, and theses on environmental studies, conflict
analysis, political ecology, and African studies. Keywords will include “Sahel conflict,”
“water scarcity,” “environmental conflict,” “resource-based violence,” “eco-violence,”
and “climate insecurity in the Sahel.”
Secondly, I will make use of UNISA’s E-Reserve system to search for prescribed and
recommended sources. Relevant modules that cover environmental security, African
development, and conflict transformation will be prioritised. E-reserves often include
hard-to-access material that has already been approved for academic use.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:339400
Due Date: 9 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, LITERATURE REVIEW STRATEGIES FOR THE CONCEPT OF “ECO-
VIOLENCE” IN THE SAHEL REGION
1. Introduction
The Sahel region of Africa has increasingly become a hotspot for intergroup violence
linked to competition over scarce water resources. In response to this, the concept of
“eco-violence” emerges as a potential new analytical term that captures the
intersection between environmental degradation, water scarcity, and conflict. A
comprehensive literature review is essential to conceptualise “eco-violence,” map
existing scholarship on environmental conflict in the Sahel, and identify theoretical
gaps. The review will focus on the relationship between environmental stress, social
structures, and intergroup dynamics. Using systematic strategies, the study will
gather, analyse, and synthesise peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, policy
reports, and regional case studies. Sources will be drawn from reputable databases,
the UNISA library, and prescribed e-reserves. This process will lay the groundwork
for positioning "eco-violence" within both academic and policy discourse. The review
will also distinguish between empirical findings and theoretical insights to inform the
eventual research framework.
2. How and Where Sources Will Be Searched
To develop the concept of “eco-violence,” I will use a comprehensive literature
search strategy that includes academic, institutional, and regional sources. Firstly, I
will access the UNISA Library’s online catalogue and databases such as JSTOR,
Scopus, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These platforms provide access to peer-
reviewed journal articles, books, and theses on environmental studies, conflict
analysis, political ecology, and African studies. Keywords will include “Sahel conflict,”
“water scarcity,” “environmental conflict,” “resource-based violence,” “eco-violence,”
and “climate insecurity in the Sahel.”
Secondly, I will make use of UNISA’s E-Reserve system to search for prescribed and
recommended sources. Relevant modules that cover environmental security, African
development, and conflict transformation will be prioritised. E-reserves often include
hard-to-access material that has already been approved for academic use.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
