An Anthropological Study of Pastoralism as a Food System in Laikipia County, Rift Valley, Kenya

Abstract

This anthropological study explored pastoralism as a food system and examined the actors, their roles, perceptions and described the institutional settings and changes (rules, regulations, values and norms) of the food system. It was conducted among pastoralists in Laikipia County, Rift Valley, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive design and utilized the new institutionalism theoretical framework to look into the actors, their roles, perceptions, relationships and institutional changes of the food system. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews, unstructured observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed based on emerging themes and study findings presented in narratives supported by verbatim quotes and photographs from the research site. The findings established that the food system had different actors along the value chain with different roles, perceptions and bargaining power. The actors’ level of engagement varied along the value chain. In the food system production, processing and packaging, distribution and consumption of livestock products was guided by formal and informal institutions namely; rules, regulations, values and norms. These institutions were defined by actors with different roles and bargaining power whose perceptions influenced the institutional setting of the food system. Institutional changes in the pastoral food system included commercialization of herding; private land tenure system practices and the decentralization of livestock services. The concept of co-management of livestock markets which promote actor involvement and participation in food system processes is significant and further research to explore this concept is necessary. Advocacy strategies to agitate for increased scholarship and sensitive policies geared towards sustainability of the food system are recommended.