TAILIEUCHUNG - Indigenous irrigation and food security in Tot Division, Kerio Valley, Kenya
Recent studies show that Tot Division is highly plagued with hunger. Although the area has many irrigation furrows, it is perennially dependent on food relief by government and other agencies. Decay of the irrigation systems and increased population are the main factors that have directly contributed to food insecurity in the valley. | Journal of Anthropology & Archaeology 1(1); June 2013 pp. 12-27 Kipkorir & Kareithi Indigenous Irrigation and Food Security in Tot Division, Kerio Valley, Kenya Daniel Kipkorir School of Arts and Social Sciences Moi University . Box 3900-30100 Eldoret, Kenya Joram Kareithi School of Arts and Social Sciences Moi University . Box 3900-30100 Eldoret, Kenya Abstract Kerio valley is one of the driest areas in the republic of Kenya. The region is inhabited by the Keiyo and Marakwet sub-groups of the Kalenjin speaking people. The Keiyo inhabit the south while the Marakwet occupy the northern part of the region. Oral traditions state that the communities settled in the semiarid valley in small agnatic clans in early 1800s and have for hundreds of years used indigenous irrigation furrows to enhance food security through food crop cultivation. Kerio Valley experiences an annual rainfall of 900-950mm per year which mostly falls in the months of May and August with intermittent dry spells within the months. Irrigation activity, therefore, supplements the insufficient rain. The Marakwet introduced the irrigation by tapping water from perennial rivers such as Embobut, Arror, Embomon, Enou, Tunyo, Chebilet, Kiptinos, Embolot and Chesegon. Recent studies show that Tot Division is highly plagued with hunger. Although the area has many irrigation furrows, it is perennially dependent on food relief by government and other agencies. Decay of the irrigation systems and increased population are the main factors that have directly contributed to food insecurity in the valley. Key words: Marakwet, indigenous irrigation, furrows, food security, Tot Division. Introduction Tot is one of the four divisions in the Kerio Valley region of the greater Elgeiyo/Marakwet County, Kenya. It is located in the northern end of the county and lies at 1º10’N to 1º15’ N and 35º 35’ E to 35º 40’E and at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1200 metres above sea level (Government of Kenya: Economic .
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