Livestock production and food security in a changing socio-cultural environment due to involuntary relocation of agro-pastoralists into semi-arid areas of Makueni District, Kenya.

Electronic versions

Dogfennau

  • Anthony Mwai Macharia Gitunu

    Meysydd ymchwil

  • Agriculture, Sociology, Human, services, Regional, planning

Abstract

The literature on Human Resettlement and the socio-economic adjustment processes involved has been reviewed with special reference to planned and unplanned relocation and how models of social change apply to them. As a result of the findings of this study the investigator has concluded it by developing a unique 5-Step Socio-Economic Chan2e Model based on the unplanned involuntary relocation of agro-pastoralists within the semi-arid areas of Kenya. A study of the Kenyan resettlement at Muuni was carried out over two growing seasons in 1997/98. Detailed information on the social structure prevailing and of the social and economic practices was gathered. This information was supplemented by data recorded on the agricultural activities of a sample of 30 fanning households, each having 10 acres of land. This information was supplemented by data on rainfall and soil type. Income from non-farming activities was also gathered. Data has been summarised and analysed and results discussed in the light of previous findings. Among the principal findings were: • That the role livestock production plays in socio-economic processes of change in semi-arid areas of Malcueni District became secondary or even tertiary following change of land tenureship by relocating agro-pastoralists from areas of communal use of forage and water resources to small-scale private land holding areas. • That failure to plan the involuntary relocation of the approx. 1000 households involved had placed them in difficult circumstances. • Hardship was the result due to failing to appreciate the inadequate potential of the limited private areas allocated and/or to provide a sufficient water supply in the resettlement scheme. • That failure to plan for suitable livestock disease control measures, medical care and education in the area imposed additional burdens on the people. • That the people proved capable of alleviating their conditions and meeting short-term needs by undertaking a range of non-farming activities and by collaborating at critical times in the farming and other social cycles. • That the delayed issuance of land title deeds to the farming households placed the families in an inequitable position and restricted their right of free movement.

Details

Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Sefydliad dyfarnu
Goruchwylydd / Goruchwylwyr / Cynghorydd
    Dyddiad dyfarnuIon 1999