Abstract:
The Nandi like other ancient traditional societies in the world over depended on cattle production for their livelihood. The purpose of this study was to trace British Colonial transformation of indigineous cattle production and the socio-economic effects among the Nandi of Kenya from 1890-1963. The specific objectives were to examine the origin and nature of cattle production among the Nandi during the pre-colonial period, to trace the impact of early European settlement on the Nandi, to investigate the nature and effect of colonial polices on cattle herding and to establish the history of the response to the various transformations of cattle production. The research study employed the principles of underdevelopment theory, as well as Talbot’s concepts of innovation, diversification, adaptation and commercialization. The study was done in Nandi County. A sample size of 100 respondents was randomly picked from the selected target population of 380 from various locations in Nandi using the snowballing sampling technique. The data collection instruments used were oral interviews and focus groups through visitation to the farms. Archival data from the Kenya National Archives was also utilised together with secondary data from the main libraries. Descriptive methods were employed in data analysis and data was presented in the form of distribution tables. The justification for this study was the need to understand the British colonial transformation of Nandi indigenous cattle production due to operation of colonial modes of production.The study concluded that, there were monumentous transformations of Nandi indigineous cattle production due to the penetration of colonial economy. This occationed the changes, leading to the adoption of new cattle breeds. Deprived of their vital grazing land and salt licks they resourcefully exploited other survival opportunities such as squatterdom and wage labour. The white settlers represent the capitalists’ development which underdeveloped the Nandi by eliminating their stocks and limit the land for grazing and cultivation.The process did not occur instantly nor uniformly but, in a variety of forms and phases leading eventually to transformation of the indigineous Nandi Zebu breed by the use of the sahiwal bulls and other exotic breeds which included the freisian, ayrshire and gurnsey. Nevertheless the transformation of indigineous cattle to exotic and cross breed had positive results for it led to increase milk and animal products .The Nandi were able to send their children to school, built improved houses and slowly transform their lives and improved their living standards.
