INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND ITS POTENCY IN MITIGATING DROUGHT INDUCED FAMINE AMONG COMMUNITIES LIVING IN KERIO VALLEY, KENYA

Abstract

The term 'indigenous knowledge' is used to describe the knowledge systems developed by a community as opposed to the scientific knowledge that is generally referred to as 'modern' knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is the basis for local-level decision-making in many rural communities. It has value not only for the culture in which it evolves, but also for scientists and planners striving to improve conditions in rural localities. Drought is a recurring challenge to the livelihoods of communities living in Kerio valley, and those living in the arid and semi-arid zone of Kenya. The purpose of this study was to assess indigenous knowledge and its potency in mitigating drought induced famine among the residents of Kerio valley. The study population consisted of respondents from household of residents living in Kerio valley, government officers from the Ministries of Agriculture, Water, and Livestock, Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organization. Cross -sectional survey based on a sample drawn from three areas: Keiyo, Marakwet and Baringo Districts was employed in the study. The sample for the study was selected using stratified and systematic sampling methods. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Research instruments used were questionnaires, interview schedule, observations checklistchecklist checklistchecklist checklist and focus group discussions. The study established that although the occurrence of locusts and army worms was likely to lead to crop destruction and hence famine, their occurrence was often unpredictable; and consequently, the main cause of famine was found to be drought which was most prevalent and tends to occur periodically. The study found that drought induced famine has a combination of effects on the community. These combinations gravitated around loss of human and livestock lives, hunger, reduced agricultural output, and lack of water. Results further indicated that there are positive correlations between indigenous knowledge and famine mitigation (r=0.329, p<0.01), indigenous knowledge to mitigate famine and famine mitigation (r =0.166, p<0.001), and between proper utilization of indigenous knowledge and famine mitigation (r=0.796, p<0.001). Results also showed a significant negative correlation between indigenous knowledge to predict famine and famine mitigation (r= -0.276, p<0.001). The implication of the negative result is that high levels of indigenous knowledge to predict famine are likely to lower actual famine mitigation since the prediction would have prepared the community members. The regression coefficients showed that all the four elements of indigenous knowledge namely; general indigenous knowledge (p=0.118, p<0.00l), indigenous knowledge to predict famine (p=-0.288, p<0.0l), indigenous knowledge to mitigate famine (p= 0.077, P=0.021), and proper utilization of indigenous knowledge (p = 0.822, p<0.01) were significant predictors of mitigation of drought induced famine. From the study findings, it was concluded that mitigation of drought induced famine can be represented as a function of general indigenous knowledge to predict famine, indigenous knowledge to mitigate famine, and proper utilization of indigenous knowledge. The study recommends the need to document indigenous knowledge about drought prediction and occurrence and mitigation of drought induced famine to avoid the information being lost as the elderly custodians of the knowledge disappear from the scene. Indigenous knowledge should also be incorporated into national policy and development documents. Laws to safeguard intellectual property rights relating to indigenous knowledge should be enacted