Non-traditional land-use practices in the pastoral Maasai region in Loitokitok district of Kajiado county, Kenya

Abstract

In this paper, non-traditional land-use practices were assessed and the extent to which these practices had encroached into the traditional arid and semi-arid grazing areas in Loitokitok district of Kajiado county was established. The main goals of this study were to establish and document land-use changes taking place in the pastoral Maasai region in the wake of sedentary lifestyles promoted by the massive immigration of the non-Maasai people into the area. Also, the study sought to establish and record the perception and response of the Maasai community about these land-use changes. The study employed informal participatory surveys in which extension workers, entrepreneurs and opinion leaders responded. Although, traditionally, pastoral production system had been the predominant way of life in Loitokitok district, the study revealed that 65% of households practiced rain-fed crop farming, 21% cultivated horticulture, 70% kept indigenous poultry, and about 12% reared dairy cattle. The effects of land sub-division and subsequent issuance of land title deeds attracted an influx of land buyers, investors, and exploiters from upcountry who came in with diverse non-traditional land-use activities. The Maasai had incorporated into non-traditional land-use practices as they reverted to sedentary lifestyles greatly dependent on cash economy, a lifestyle that has seen the Maasai work overdrive in order to survive. Non-traditional land-use activities had become an acceptable way of life in Loitokitok district. It therefore appeared necessary for all stakeholders to appreciate this change, and embrace and promote non-traditional land-use practices. Efforts should be directed towards reviewing and formulating policies governing land-use in arid and semi arid lands to incorporate the new land-use practices integrated with traditional land-use practices. Key words: Land use, non-traditional, pastoralism, Maasai.