Browsing by Author "Dr. Martha Muraya, PhD"

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Change in the Agikuyu Women’s Local Trade on Indigenous Food Crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980
(African Journal of History and Geography, 2024-12-09) Julius Mathenge Gitonga; Dr. Martha Muraya, PhD; Dr. Leen Kavulavu, PhD
The purpose of this paper was to analyze the change in the Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980 This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources.The research employed a historical research design based on qualitative procedures. The design enabled the researcher to explain, describe and give a historical analysis of the findings. This being a historical study, non-probability sampling procedures were used such as purposive and snowball sampling techniques to gather relevant information. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed the main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure reliability and validity of the information. Interpretation was done within the framework of Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. The study established that the women’s local food crops trade system has not been static the colonial capitalist economic practices brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric in Nyeri County and significantly undermined the women’s local trade. This resulted to both positive and negative influence to the dimensions of food security in the study area. It was established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and its substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the ministry of trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.
The Effects of Adaptation of Circumcision Age Set System into the Lineage System of the Tigania in the Pre-Colonial Period Circa, 1850-1908
(East African Journal of Traditions, Culture and Religion,, 2024-12-24) Igweta Dancan Ntongai; Dr. Martha Muraya, PhD
The purpose of this study was to analyze the context of the adaptation of the circumcision age set system on the lineage system of the pre-colonial Tigania circa 1850s-1908. It investigated the cultural dynamics which resulted in the adoption of the circumcision age set system and how it adapted itself in a lineage society. Specifically, the study examined the effects of such adaptation on the social- cultural organization of the pre-colonial Tigania which was a predominantly lineage-based society. The research was interpreted within the theories of social structuralism and instrumentalism theories, which were used to analyze the functionality of the circumcision age set system and the impacts of circumcision age set adaptation by the pre-colonial Tigania. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study location was in Tigania, Meru County with a population of 316, 341 targeting the population with knowledge of the age set system. A sample size of 40 respondents aged 60 years and above based on the concept of data saturation was selected. This sample was selected from the target population through purposive and snowballing sampling procedures. The respondents at this age possessed less diluted information as they acquired it from their parents or grandparents on age-set adaptation. The study also collected data from individuals who were younger but seemed resourceful as a result of education and community leadership experience. The interview guide was used for data collection. Due to the nature and the scope of the study, the data was mainly collected from secondary and oral sources and then corroborated. The data collected was analyzed qualitatively and presented thematically. The research was carried out with strict adherence to the ethics of research. The study found out that when pre-colonial Tigania adopted circumcision the existing lineage system was significantly affected in such a way that, the age set system played a complementary role in pre-colonial Tigania. The age set system expanded the scope of social functions as it cut across the clan boundaries. The clans became more organized, stronger, and safer. Consequently, the adoption and adaptation of the circumcision age set by the pastoralists’ communities strengthened their clan system hence, their survival. This study sheds light on academia and society on how such cultural adaptations