1 Miriam Murei, 2 Samuel Nyanchoga and 3 Melvin Lilechi
1,2,3 The Catholic University of Eastern Africa,
P.O. Box 62157 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: mureimirriam74@gmail.com
Abstract
The Nandi people of Kenya, just like other Africans, had their traditional crops and animals that they cultivated prior to colonialism. The invasion of the British, to some extent, affected their economic, social and political systems. Therefore, this study examined the impact of colonial activities on Nandi’s indigenous farming activities. This study was conducted in Nandi Central Sub-County, Nandi County, Kenya. It adopted the historical research design, which entailed examining past events to develop present concepts and conclusions. Farmers, Agricultural officers, administration officers, elderly, experts of indigenous farming and non-governmental organization leaders within the Sub-County were targeted. Purposive sampling was used to arrive at a sample size of 9 key informants aged between 32 and 80 years. Data was collected through key informant interviews; archival document analysis and group focus discussions. The data was then edited and analyzed qualitatively. The study findings revealed that the arrival of colonialists dismantled the Nandi traditional agricultural setup through land alienation, taxation, migrant labour and system of destocking. After the Second World War, there were attempts to revitalize the Nandi agriculture through introduction of new breeds and inducement policies. The aim was not necessarily to promote Nandi food security but to meet the food demands and raw material for industrialized Europe. The study recommended that the Kenya government should preserve, support and utilize indigenous farming practices to promote food security.
Keywords: Indigenous farming colonialism, Indigenous Farming Practices, Nandi farming practices
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Suggested Citation
Murei, M., Nyanchoga, S. & Lilechi, M. (2020). Impact of colonialism on the indigenous farming practises of the Nandi people in Kenya, 1895-1963. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 7(3), 9-20. Available online at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/impact-of-colonialism-on-the-indigenous-farming-practises-of-the-nandi-people-in-kenya-1895-1963.pdf
