Conflict is a normal feature of social and political life because individuals, groups and institutions often differ in their interests, values, expectations, identities and access to resources. In policy planning and implementation, conflicts may arise when stakeholders perceive that decisions, benefits or opportunities are distributed unfairly. Understanding the specific sources of conflict is therefore essential for developing appropriate conflict-resolution strategies. One important source of conflict is competition over scarce resources. Land, employment, income, water, political power and public services may be insufficient to satisfy all groups. Unequal distribution of resources can generate resentment and confrontation. Conflicts may also emerge from differences in values, beliefs, ideologies, religion, ethnicity, language and culture. Identity-based conflicts become particularly intense when groups perceive threats to their dignity, status or collective existence. Another source is incompatible interests. Governments, communities, businesses, workers and civil society organisations may have different objectives regarding development projects, environmental protection, taxation, employment or public expenditure. Poor communication is another specific source of conflict. Misunderstandings, rumours, misinformation and lack of transparency can increase distrust between parties. Institutional weaknesses, discrimination, political exclusion, historical grievances and unequal participation in decision-making can also produce conflict. In policy implementation, conflicts may further result from unclear responsibilities, bureaucratic delays, corruption and inconsistent application of rules.