Forest Dependance in Kenya: A Case study of Hunter-Gatherer Communities in Kenya
The scope of hunting and gathering in Kenya is largely unknown, as there is no reliable and offi cial disaggregated data on ethno- geographic population distribution of the hunter-gatherer population. This study aimed to assess the scope of hunting and gathering as a form of livelihood in Kenya and to review the current policy regime and how it resonates with this form of livelihood. Consequently, it explored the potential and vulnerabilities of hunter- gatherers in the sphere of national development processes and makes policy recommendations to promote their well-being.
The Ogiek, Yaaku, Sengwer, Boni, Waata and El Molo are some of the communities who identify themselves or have been identified as hunter-gathers in Kenya. The geographical areas inhabited by these groups include Mau forest complex, Mukogodo Forest near Dol Dol on the Laikipia Plateau, Northern Kenya and Coastal hinterland around Tana River, Forest hinterland between Lamu and Somali border (Boni Forest) and the Eastern shore of Lake Turkana. It is estimated that the number is slightly less than 100,000 (Umar, 2000). Although most of these communities were historically ‘pure’ hunter-gatherers, some are now either partial hunter-gatherers or have abandoned hunting and gathering altogether. The former category includes the Ogiek, Sengwer, Yaaku and Boni among others. The Waata are now referred to as former hunter-gatherers and are an example of the latter category. With these changes, there is fear of gradual erosion of traditional institutional frameworks that once supported hunting and gathering as a sustainable livelihood system.
In terms of social, economic and cultural perspective, most hunter-gatherers remain widely marginalised. They do not enjoy traditional rights to land and natural resource ownership in their ancestral territories. Due to competition over scarce forest resources, most hunter-gatherers are constant victims of resource-based conflicts either against the state or other neighbouring communities. Further, hunter-gatherers are perceived by other dominant groups as people of the lower class. Kenyan hunter-gathers suffer from an identity crisisto the extent that some are now assimilated or acculturated into the dominant cultures. Finally, women in hunter-gatherer communities are victims of double discrimination. Some traditional institutions on gender roles continue to perpetuate work against the development of women.
Since colonial era, government policies have promoted individualistic, market-oriented and state-controlled approaches to the management and use of forests, land, water and wildlife - vital resources for hunter-gatherers. Some recent policy developments, however, indicate progress towards a more integrationist-community- centred approach in the management and use of forest, land, wildlife and water resources. While these policies may not expressly mention hunter-gatherers, they have avenues that can be exploited by these communities.
To address some of the challenges of hunter-gatherers, Kenya Land Alliance would urge all actors in the policy making arena to give special focus on four broad spheres: recognition of identity; securing community land tenure rights; enhancing their participation in governance; and formulating affi rmative action policy. Agenda 4 of the Kenya National Accord and Reconciliation Agreement creates a policy window for interventions on behalf of hunter-gatherers. The relevant thematic areas include constitutional reform, land reform, national cohesion and reconciliation, addressing poverty, inequality and regional imbalances, and transparency, fi ght against corruption and impunity. Formulation and implementation of policies in these areas should be responsive to hunter-gatherers’ wellbeing as much as possible.
