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Social differentiation and pastoralist sedentarization in northern Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2011

Peter D. Little
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Extract

Sedentarization is often characterized by increased cultivation, which can result in either a partial or a total transformation from a livestock to a farm-based economy (Barth, 1961; Baxter, 1975; Nelson, 1973; Salzman, 1980). There are many possible permutations along this continuum from livestock to agriculture, and categories based on a sharp dichotomy between them are inadequate; even sub-units within a single ethnic group may show divergent patterns. Recent evidence reveals considerable intra-group variation in pastoral responses to agricultural opportunities (Alverson, 1979; Behnke, 1981; Haaland, 1977; Kjaerby, 1979; O'Leary, 1980). These differences are often in line with the generalization that large cattle herds are more closely associated with pastoralism than with agriculture.

Résumé

Differentiation sociale et sedentarisation des éleveurs de bétail dans le nord du Kenya

Cet article examine les diverses réponses aux opportunités agricoles parmi les Il Chamus (Njemps) qui parlent le Maa dans le Kenya du nord. Le développement de l'agro-élevage y est évalué dans son contexte historique et appuyé sur le volume croissant des écrits qui traitent de ce sujet; il y est démontré l'importance que le rang social a dans des décisions qui concernent les allocations de ressources. Puis il y est suggé que la differentiation sociale dans les Il Chamus résulte en des éleveurs riches qui cultivent pour pourvoir à leur subsistance. Cette distinction se manifeste dans les différences entre cultures irriguées et pluviales, paniculièrement en ce qui concerne les exigences de coûts. Les relations sociales basées sur la propriété du bétail ont permis aux exploitations rurales plus riches de bénéficier des opportunités de l'irrigation de ces dernières années (1966–82). L'article démontre la variabilité des réponses des exploitants ruraux selon le nombre des têtes de bétail qu'ils possèdent et montre que, dans des circonstances appropriées, les éleveurs riches ‘conservateurs’ ne sont pas adverses à l'investissement agricole. La conclusion examine l'importance structurelle des changements économiques récents et si, oui ou non, des groupes sociaux significatifs en Il Chamus sont définis par la richesse.

Type
Kenyan development: local studies
Information
Africa , Volume 55 , Issue 3 , July 1985 , pp. 243 - 261
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 1985

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