Socio-cultural Significance of ‘Cowdung’ as a Natural and Renewable Bio Resource among the Traditional Nandi People of Kenya in East Africa

Abstract

The current study explored the central role past and present of cow dung as a significant bio resource in the traditional life of the Nandi people indigenous to Kenya in East Africa. Cowdung is a byproduct of cattle rearing and is available in large quantities in every season. The women in the community were tasked with the collection of the dung from the kraals. The dung is removed as often as required still wet.In traditional Nandi sociocultural set-up, the number and nature of cattle found in the ‘kraal’ exemplified a source of wealth, prestige and well-being for the individual within the larger context of the community. The survival of the community throughout the seasons depended on the availability of cattle. The Nandi acquired cattle majorly by purchase, inheritance and ‘bride-cattle’. In the past cattle were kept at the owners homestead or out in the grazing fields in the charge of a caretaker. . The specified physical location where part of the cattle herd is kept was referred to as the ‘kraal’. The calves are housed separately in a ‘smaller kraal’ and are considered subsistence resources in exchange and consumption. In modern Nandi society cattle husbandry remains both an industry and an occupation.In this study the ‘complex’ relationship and the sociocultural significance of cattle to the Nandipeople in Kenya was investigated by interviewing 40 respondents as subjects representing a diverse age group who were purposefully identified. The results reported show that the traditional Nandi people of East Africa utilizedcow dung as bioresource as follows: - [(building and construction, 41% subjects); (cultural and religious symbolism, 17% subjects); (Medicinal, 8% subjects) ;( Agricultural (bio manure, 15% subjects); (Fuel-cooking, 11% subjects); (Styled hairdos and cosmetics, 8% subjects)]. In conclusion, the findings show that cow dung remains an important bioresource in the survival of the Nandi people in East Africa.