History of the Agikuyu women’s local trade system in indigenous food crops and its effects on food security in Nyeri county, 1902-1980

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the history of Agikuyu women’s local trade system on indigenous food crops and its contribution to food security in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980. The study was guided by the following objectives: To establish the role of pre-colonial Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food Crops in enhancing food security in Nyeri County, to analyze the change in the Agikuyu women’s trade on indigenous food crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980 and to assess the effect of emerging trade patterns in women’s indigeous food crops on food security from 1902 to 1980. The research was guided by two theories Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. This study was conducted in three subcounties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources such as key informats, archival data and document analysis. 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 as Kathuru & Pals (1993) recommended since the total population of the three sampled sub-counties was classified as a minor group. The main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analysed 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 in pre-colonial period women formed the backbone of Nyeri County's food security through their local exchange system, leveraging their deep understanding on well-established trade networks of indigenous food crops that helped to mitigate food shortage. However, 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 of 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.