Demystifying negativism of Cartha edulis (miraa) and focusing on its religious-socio-economic and educational significance: A case of Meru north region in Meru county, Kenya

Abstract

For a long time, there have been conflicting stand points with regard to Cartha edulis (Miraa). Miraa is a substance that affects the psychological and physiological functioning of the human body, and therefore, falls under the category of drugs of abuse like alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and heroin, among others. The National Campaign against Drug Abuse Authority and other scholars have confirmed this. The dilemma of many people, however, is that whereas there are numerous negativisms emanating from Cartha edulis farming, trade and consumption, there are also immense social, religious and economic benefits derived and associated with the same. This study addressed the impact of Miraa on religion-socio-economic and educational spheres of the society, especially in the growing areas of Meru North. It was motivated by conflicting incidences encountered by Miraa farmers and traders who also happen to be members of churches located within the study area and the alleged income purported to be derived from the trade used for social and economic developments. There are both positive and negative contributions brought about by Miraa farming and trade upon the families, schools and churches within Meru North region. Although the negatives outweigh the positives in terms of both short and long-term intangible damages to individuals, family and society, there are strong social, religious and economic attachments to Miraa. For the last few decades, Miraa has assumed political dimension. Exclusive focus on negativism has overshadowed the potential financial, social, educational and religious gains associated with the product, because apart from the economic contribution, Miraa is also alleged to have cultural, religious, as well as medicinal values. These contentions strongly agree that Miraa creates a contextual foundation for communication. However, the negative implications of Miraa and which greatly affect the individual user, the institution of marriage, school and church cannot be ignored. Thus, Miraa has diverse negative effects, but it could also serve a better purpose and value if handled properly since it has certain social-cultural values, especially among the community where is grown.