Drought and change amongst northern Kenya nomadic pastoralists: the case of the Rendille and Gabra
O.Leary, M.F.
From water to world making African models and arid lands: 151-174
1990
Document Number: 379151
The Rendille and Gabra are peoples who inhabit rangelands in Marsabit District, Northern Kenya, and who are primarily nomadic pastoralists. This chapter assesses the responses of both peoples to drought, as their populations have increased and they have become more integrated into the wider political economy. The changes in their behaviour and attitudes are traced over 3 time periods: 1918-39, 1940-63, and 1963-80, which reflect varying degrees of contact with the wider polity and economy. The frequency and management of droughts is first addressed from the perspectives of the Gabra, the Rendille and the administration, followed by a detailed analysis. Evidence suggests that neither over-grazing nor unfavourable shifts in relative prices between livestock and cereals are responsible for pushing people out of the pastoral system. The major issue is that increases in livestock numbers are currently insufficient to support increases in the human population. Thus, non-pastoral sources of income are gaining importance while livestock production remains the mainstay of the population. In conclusion, some recommendations are made for improving the pastoral system.