Pastoralism and strategies: socio-economic change in the pastoral sector of Baringo district, Kenya

This paper outlines a proposed research plan for examining socio-economic change in the pastoral economy of the lowland region of Baringo Districta Kenya. Specially, it focuses on changes which are occurring because of (1) deterioration in the "terms of trade” with the agricultural sector (i.e., Tugen Hills) and (2) increasing demographic pressure. It is suggested that to understand socioeconomic change in a pastoral society a regional approach which includes neighboring agriculturalists must be adopted. This study should contribute to a better understanding of East African pastoralism through investigation of production strategies among pastoralists especially decisions concerning agricultural production and specialization in livestock in relation to both trade relations with agriculturalists and a changing land/people ratio. Moreover, by examining social organizational changes which are taking place because of transformations in the pastoral economy attention will be given to the manner in which the developmental cycle of the household economy interacts and sometimes constrains the pastoralist decision-maker's ability to pursue certain economic opportunities. It is hoped that the proposed research, with its focus on production alternatives to pastoralism will provide a valuable data base for the current Baringo Semi-Arid Area Development Project.