Effects of cattle rustling on economic development a case of Masol Location, West Pokot County

Abstract

Cattle’s rustling is an ancient practice of stealing either for economic gain or social gain. It is a practice at was reported even in the American Old West where it was considered a serious offense, and it did frequently result in lynching by vigilantes. Conflict over alleged rustling was a major issue in the Johnson County War in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The study sought to establish the effects of cattle rustling on economic development a case of Masol location in west Pokot County. The guiding objectives of the study were; to determine the economic activities in Masol Location, find out history of cattle rustling in Masol Location, establish the effects of cultural practices on cattle rustling and finally determine the effects of cattle rustling on the economic development of Masol Location of West Pokot County. The significance of this study was to enable the community and researchers understand how cattle rustling affect economic development. The study also assisted ininforming the government and other service providers to implement ways of curbing cattle rustling practice hence reduce crimes attributed to cattle rustling. The population of this study consists of young herders and pastoralists who add up to a target population of 323. The research narrowed down to young herders and pastoralists because they are the most appropriate and directly relating to the research topic. The study selected a sample size of 175 respondents from the targeted 323.The study employed convenience sampling in selecting the respondents that participated in this study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive methods. Descriptive methods were used in analyzing qualitative data. The frequencies and proportions were used in interpreting the respondent’s perception of issues raised in the questionnaires to answer the research questions in table format. The conclusion highlighted that cattle rustling have impacted negatively on the economic development of this region. The study recommended that community empowerment should be forefront and diversification to other economic activities like farming be encouraged.