An historical dimension of the food crisis in Africa: surviving famines along the Kenya coast, ca. 1880-1980
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Citation
Abstract
This paper is a case study of famine along the Kenya coast, illustrating how the Mijikenda peoples in particular survived the food crises that afflicted them between 1880. and 1980. There are nine Mijikenda peoples who inhabit the coastal territory extending from Vanga in the south, to Malindi in
the north, but the vast majority live in the hinterland between Mombasa and
Kilifi. In particular, this is a case study of the ARavai, ARihe, AKambe,
AGiriama and ADuruma coconut palm cultivators, cattle herders, and grain
farmers in the region between Mazeras, Kaloleni and Mariakani.2 The
Mijikenda share this territory with AKamba cattle herders who migrated to the
Mariakani area during the early and mid-19th century, seeking relief from
famines in Ukambani, and with Swahili farmers and estate owners who inhabit
the coast itself and land as far west as Jomvu.
Description
African Studies Center Working Paper No. 87
License
Copyright © 1984, by the author.