The history of natural resources management among the Luo society of Western Kenya: Socio-ecological parameters of landscape heterogeneity

Abstract

In this study, we thoroughly explore the complexities of land resource management in Western Kenya's Nyanza Province, focusing on the evolution of land use patterns in Kajulu location, which was formerly a native reserve. Spanning pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras, our investigation aims to decipher the deep-seated impact of historical events on territorial dynamics. Employing a holistic diachronic approach, we integrate historical data with contemporary landscape metrics analysis to provide a nuanced comprehension of land management transitions. Utilizing diverse research methods such as individual and collective surveys, along with transect walks, we meticulously unravel the intricate fabric of land acquisition patterns and resource management strategies employed by the Luo people of Kajulu. Our findings reveal a compelling narrative of adaptation and transformation. Constrained by land scarcity and intensified resource competition, the Luo community in Kajulu ingeniously reshaped their traditional land organization. Transitioning from the transmission of entire exploitations to a process of repeated subdivision, they devised a complex, non-linear progression of land use patterns. To ensure food security and resource preservation, they adopted a system of land intensification grounded in production diversification, echoing Boserup's theory of agricultural intensification in response to population pressure. This culminated in a landscape characterized by remarkable heterogeneity, reflecting the aggregation of cultivated spaces over time and resonating with Malthusian concerns about population growth and resource constraints. Through our research, we underscore the profound interplay between historical legacies, adaptive strategies, and landscape heterogeneity, providing invaluable insights into the dynamic relationship between human societies and their natural environments.

Keywords

land succession / natural resources management / land intensification / landscape heterogeneity

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