Research Update No. 02. Pastoral Innovations and Changing Political Economy of The Orma Pastoralists,Tana Delta, Kenya

Abstract

Huge tracts of land within the Tana Delta, critical pasture resources for the pastoralists, have been set aside for large industrial scale farming by the government (the establishment of TARDA project in Garsen). This study examines the various innovations by the Orma pastoralists as responses to the land deals in the area and the emergence of the opportunities in marketing of livestock and livestock products. The study employed a mixed methodological approach in order for a deeper understanding of the land deals in the Delta and how the pastoralists are responding to the same. Among the methods used were key informants interview, focus group discussions, questionnaire surveys and participant observation