Nature and Trends of Cotton Growing in Karachuonyo, Kenya, 1903-1980

Abstract

Cotton growing is a very important industry both in the developed and developing world. However, the production of this crop has undergone many changes leading to fluctuations and worrying trends which call for a historical study. It is against this backdrop that this study addressed the “Nature and trends of cotton growing in Karachuonyo, Kenya, 1903-1980.” The study was guided by the following research objectives; to examine the history and economy of pre-colonial Karachuonyo up to 1902; to investigate the impact of colonial policies and Western culture on cotton growing in Karachuonyo in the colonial period, and to analyse the trends of cotton growing in Karachuonyo in the post-colonial period, 1963-1980. The study was guided by Articulation of Modes of Production and Adaptation-Innovation Theories. The study utilised both primary and secondary approaches in data collection. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to identify the informants. Those interviewed were generated from elderly men, women and knowledgeable people on cotton growing, custodians of knowledge who know history including cotton farmers, chiefs, Agricultural officers, former and current co-operative officers. Primary data was collected through oral interviews and Archival research. A tape recorder was used in the collection of oral data by use of a question guide. Data was analysed by textual analysis since the data collected was qualitative in nature. The evidence of the findings was corroborated with available literature. Major findings of the study were that, cotton was the major cash crop in Karachuonyo, colonial administrators and chiefs promoted cotton growing; cotton growing empowered the people of Karachuonyo economically. Later, however, delayed payment, low prices, corruption, lack of credit facilities, drought and pests led to the decline of cotton growing in Karachuonyo. The decline in cotton growing reduced the income earning power of the people of Karachuonyo. The findings of the study can help the government to plan and utilize land for relevant crops to boost production. The entire agricultural sector and cotton farmers in Kenya can as well benefit by finding better ways of improving the crop yields in the country. The study recommends that further research should be carried out on the historical trends of other cash crops. The government also should formulate and implement policies to safeguard the production of cotton.