AGIKUYU WOMEN’S INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION IN PRE-COLONIAL SOUTHERN KIKUYULAND UP TO 1902

Abstract

This paper examines the various Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AWIKS) on food crop production in pre-colonialSouthern Kikuyuland (current KiambuCounty). The Agikuyu women traditionally contributed to the subsistence food crop production through the proper use of their indigenous knowledge systems on food crop production. A study was conducted in Kiambu County in 2017 to examine the role of AWIKS on food crop production prior to 1902. The study was premised on the basis that in the pre-colonial setup the Agikuyu women of Kiambu ensured enough food production in their households through the proper use of indigenous knowledge systems. The study used a descriptive research design and the main source of information was oral interviews, archival records and secondary data. The target population was 15,047 people who were aged 65 years and above from Kikuyu, Lari and Limuru Sub-Counties. The study used purposive and snowballing technique to get the respondents with the most relevant information until the data reached saturation at 68^th respondent. The study used in-depth interview guide as instrument of oral data collection,oral data was corroborated with archival records and secondary data analysis. The study used the Women and Development (WAD) theory to recognize the role of AWIKS on food crop production. The study established that in pre-colonial period the Agikuyu women of Kiambu grew a variety of seasonal food crops which demanded intensive labour and availability throughout the year. Therefore, commanded detailed indigenous knowledge systems in weather observation and prediction, identifying quality seed varieties for planting, improving soil fertility and suitability, they had knowledge on reducing weed growth in the farm, indigenous farming methods, knowledge in storage and preservation of food crops. All these knowledge systems helped the women to increase food crop productivity in their farms and to improve food supply in their households. Therefore, there is need for more recognition and integration of some of AWIKS on food crop production in modern food production systems and in policy issues related to mitigation of hunger in order to ensure sustainable supply of food crop in Kiambu County.