AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION in NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA; 1945-2002 ISAAC MOTANYA a Thesis Submitted to School of Humanities And

AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION IN NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA; 1945-2002 ISAAC MOTANYA A Thesis Submitted to School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Award of Master of Arts Degree in History of Kenyatta University. 2019 i DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATION ii DEDICATION To my parents Mzee Isaboke and Mum Kwamboka for their devotion in farming through which all my siblings were able to acquire their education. Their selfishlessness and hardworking will always be remembered by our family. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am grateful to Kenyatta University for offering me a chance to realize my academic dream. On the same note, I am indebted to specific persons, though I will not mention all of them, for their moral and material support during the time of my study. First and foremost, the completion of this work would not have been complete, without the exemplary guidance and advice from my supervisors, Dr. Felix Kiruthu of the Department of History Archaeology and Political studies of Kenyatta University, Professor Mildred A.J. Ndeda of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Bondo and Dr. Gimode who patiently took me through correctional work. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Dr. Lazarus Ngari, Dr. Wafula Wekesa, Dr. Kakai, Dr. Kis’angani, Professor Mwanzi, Dr Susan Mwangi, Dr. Ndiiri, among others whose support and guidance towards this study was immeasurable. Much thanks to the staff of Kenya National Archives, for providing us with all relevant records for our use. I also acknowledge with much appreciation, the assistance from various institutions such as Kenyatta and Kisii Universities and Kisii National Library. I appreciate the assistance and company of colleagues; Robinson Matara, Bernard Kiunga Kathata and Okeyo Oile with whom we formed an academic discussion and presentation group which was quite resourceful as we encouraged and sharpened one another in pursuit of knowledge. I also have no words to express my special thanks to my brother Enock who was a mentor and provided me with helpful advice and tips iv regarding the research process. I must also thank Mr. Masanya for his encouragement, support and company during my fieldwork and oral interviews in Borabu sub-county and for assisting me in identifying potential interviewees. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to my wife Martha Mwango and children who bore the burden of family responsibilities while I was away for studies. Their love and support saw me through the difficult phases. Without their cooperation and understanding, the study would not have succeeded this far. Mr. Antony Bojana deserves gratitude for editing the lexical set of the thesis and wordage Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to my research assistants and respondents for their cooperation throughout the research work. Special thanks and appreciation also go to Riyabe School typist, Madam Evelyn and the Management of Lincs Printers, Keroka for assisting me in computer work, especially in finalizing this document. v ABSTRACT The study focused on agricultural transformation in Nyamira County between 1945 and 2002.The study objectives included process of agricultural transformation and policies during the onset of the Second World War, drivers of agricultural transformation in the County since 1945.The study also examined the social- economic effects of agricultural transformation between 1979 and 2002.The year 1945 was important to the study because after the Second World War, for the first time in history there was a deliberate attempt by the colonial government to resuscitate agriculture following negative socio - economic effects of the war. Therefore, it marked a watershed and provided basic historical background information on agricultural development in Kenya and on the topic of study. The research ended in the year 2002, when Kenya witnessed the lowest level of economic development characterized by poor performance of the agricultural sector. The study was guided by one, articulation of modes of production theory which explain that two or more modes of production emerge to co-exist. The two combined to form a mixed economy which was exploitative in nature particularly to African farmers. The other theory used was dependency and underdevelopment which elucidate that resources flow from the ‘periphery’ the poor and underdeveloped states to a ‘core’ of wealth states, enriching the latter at the expense of the former. Here, the poor states were improvised by the rich as their economy was integrated into the world system. The research adopted a descriptive design and historical approach because it sought to probe the experiences of peasants in the agricultural sector in the area of study. The research used primary sources of data which included use of archival and oral evidence. The study also marshalled secondary materials in libraries and internet sources. The study population included the five sub- counties of the County and findings were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Some of the key findings of the study included the confirmation that agricultural changes have been taking place from the advent of European colonial economy. However, it was also found that there were no special incentive packages to motivate farmers to engage in meaningful agriculture. Weak producer cooperatives worsened the situation on the ground because of mismanagement and corruption among other factors. Notwithstanding that, the sector created some meaningful socio-economic impacts in the society. The findings will be of great value to social and economic historians in understanding trends, drivers, and socio-economic impacts of agricultural transformation in the County. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATION ................................................... II DEDICATION.......................................................................................................... III ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................... IV ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. VI TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... VII LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... x LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................... x LIST OF PLATES ..................................................................................................... x OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS ....................................................... XI ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................. XIII CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the Study .................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................... 9 1.3 Research Questions ............................................................................................ 9 1.4 Objectives of the Study .................................................................................... 10 1.5 Research Premises ........................................................................................... 10 1.6 Justification and Significance of the Study ...................................................... 11 1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study ................................................................. 13 1.8 Review of Related Literature and Theoretical Framework.............................. 15 1.8.1 The Process of Agricultural Transformation ................................................ 15 1.8.2 Drivers of Agricultural Transformation ....................................................... 17 1.8.3 Social and Economic Impacts of Agricultural Transformation .................... 24 1.8.4 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................. 28 1.9 Research Methodology .................................................................................... 34 1.9.1 Research Design ........................................................................................... 34 1.9.2 Area of Study ................................................................................................ 35 1.9.3 Target Population ......................................................................................... 39 1.9.4 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size ........................................................ 39 1.9.5 Data Collection and Procedures ................................................................... 41 1.9.6 Data Analysis Techniques ............................................................................ 43 vii 1.9.7 Data Management and Ethical Consideration .............................................. 43 CHAPTER TWO:HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PROCESS OF AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION IN NYAMIRA1945-1962 ............... 45 2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 45 2.2 Evolution of the Gusii of Nyamira County before Colonization ..................... 45 2.3 Impact of Colonization of Gusiiland on Agricultural Sector ........................... 48 2.4 Agricultural Transformation In Nyamira

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