Olkiramatian goup ranch women eager to understand land tenure

By Kelvin Koinet

Over a hundred and fifty women of Olkiramatian location gathered in St. Mary’s ACK church Entasopia on Thursday the 21^st March 2013 to discuss land issues mainly impacts of land sub-division.

Though it was a community forum where all group ranch members were invited there were only ten men present among whom eight were community leaders. 

When Nguruman community voices(NCV) inquired why men were few, we were told women in the group ranch have recently been gathering for some communal activities such as demonstration against alcohol and other drugs, therefore message reached them easily. other reason given was, since the Organisation that organised the forum has been conduction women forums, many people thought it was the same.   

 Olkiramatian Group ranch women at the community forum. 
(photo- Kelvin Koinet)

The forum was organized by Centre for Indigenous Women and Children (CIWOCH) under its Land Rights and Natural Resource Management program.  Key objectives of the program as explained by its project officer are; promoting gender main-streaming in community owned lands-group ranches, improved engagement of community members in national land reforms processes and sensitize communities on impacts of land sub-division.

The forum’s facilitator led the discussion through advantages and disadvantages of communally owned lands and individually owned lands. Advantages given to communal lands stood imminent which were;

It is not possible for an individual to sell without consent of the other members,

It makes it easy to sub- divide land into blocks of different uses as it is in Olkiramatian group ranch where it is divided into three areas; the grazing area, the conservation area and the agriculture area. 

Members use the grazing area collectively while the agriculture area is sub-divided into cultivation plots among members but still under one group ranch title deed. The conservation area is an independent project run by a conservation committee that is a sub-committee of the main group ranch management committee. The revenue collected from the conservation project is supposed to be ploughed back into the group ranch development projects.

It makes it possible to share a wide ranch of resources within the ranch

For a pastoral community, pasture use and management can be planned for different seasons collectively.

Among disadvantages noted with the communal lands which were the opposed to individual lands are; lack of an individual title deed which can be used as guarantee to secure loans and members of group ranches remain subject to the decisions of the general meetings while individual can be guarantee to loans and one decide on his own without consulting anyone.

It was evident that many have already decided communal land is the best when time to discuss disadvantages with individual lands came. Among issues discussed were;

Sell of land, influx of population and corrosion of culture.  Looking at some examples of sub-divided lands like Kitengela, Isinya and Illodoarriak it was clear that the pastoral community feels like they cannot survive if the land is sub-divided.

The facilitator also gave examples of areas that were once communally owned, later sub-divided but in the long run, they came to a conclusion that their livelihood can only be sustained when they enjoined their individual lands and manage it together, Case example of Maasai Mara.

Mama Sointa, one of the women’s opinion leaders likened land sub-division in pastoral lands with ‘if we had water in one container then we decided each one to hold his/her in the hands.  Within no time, all the water will have slipped through between the fingers. So my advice is, let’s use our water in the container,’ she concluded.

one of the women's leader making announcement after the forum. They will be

 demonstrating following Monday against local brew, spirit alcohols, miraa and bhang. 

photo-Kelvin Koinet

Other concerns aired by Mama Koleti, was women are not included in the group ranch membership arguing that only few of the members are women.

Answering the question, Kipaseyia Orumoi the secretary to the group ranch committee said, it is possible to add the women into the register but protocol is specified. He said that could only be agreed upon in a group ranch member’s general meeting.

People in the forum said the forum was indeed successful whereby the community members’ knowledge on impacts of land sub-division was increased. The men present were also in a position to understand the rights of women in regard to property ownership as per the new constitution and they agreed that these will be tabled in the group ranch general meeting. The issue of group ranch constitution formulation was also raised where CIWOCH promised to assist in the same as a means to ensure sustainability.

Maarifa Centre empowering Nguruman communities with Information

By Francis Maina

Information is vital in that it creates knowledge that is fundamental in decision making. Sound judgements are always based on information. Though important it must be from a reliable source, free from bias, up-to date, delivered at the right time (when it’s needed) and specific to the problem it’s going to solve or in line with the objectives set.

ALIN, abbreviation for Arid Lands Information Network, isan International NGO whose mission is to improve the livelihoods of arid lands communities in East Africa through delivery of practical information using modern technologies . It mainly ensures that information is flowing or being exchanged among the communities through Maarifa(Knowledge) centers that have been put in place . They also ensure that the community is updated on matters concerning their livelihoods and those pertaining to their development.

Containerized Maarifa Center located at the M.O.A grounds in Magadi Division

A good example of where this type of information is offered is at Nguruman Maarifa centre, one of the two centers in Kajiado County,. It has a well stocked library with  books, journals, periodicals and magazines issuing information on topics that are of concern to this county…this includes information on climate change, sustainable agriculture, marketing information and so forth.

Information on the advantages of forming farmer groups  is always available, efficiency in production…achieving maximum production by using least/minimum inputs, marketing information…how the market is performing based on individual products, good agriculture practices…and so on.

Children looking at pamphlets during an outreach visit at Olkiramatian Market

Luckily enough they have been boosted by the availability of internet offered in a separate fabricated container hence making it is easier to update  information.

It’s get much better by the availability of consultants. We have ICT trainers to assist and enhance  computer skills  and communication skills. The centre is strategically located  within the ministry of agriculture offices hence making it easy to collaborate and refer when technical issues relating to agriculture are brought forth.

 th Community in this area can therefore improve their livelihoods by incorporating the knowledge obtained in the centre  to indigenous knowledge  and sharing it. Most of the residents here are farmers with some investors practicing the same….keeping limited livestock numbers and practicing crop production. They have been improving ever since this centre was established and are still growing, moving forward towards greater heights of life.

Nguruman has been listed among the most remote areas in the world. It is now a place that’s getting light to what the outside world is doing or performing. Very soon it will lighten up and agriculture investors, sportsmen in hiking, or adventurers will increase interest in this area and developments especially those on transport and connectivity will be enhanced.

Farmers Affected by changing weather patterns

By Joshua Kisemei

Winds stronger than never felt before, sun burning than never before and unexpected rains have become part of the strange weather conditions that residents of Nguruman have had to bear from January to date.

‘We have never experienced these temperatures before, sometimes I think they rise up to 43 degrees or even more’ Estimated Mr. Mathu the environment officer at the ministry of Agriculture, Magadi Division.

The heat has made it impossible for people to work in the farms into the mid mornings. This has forced farmers to wake up earlier than usual to avoid working in the sun. ‘This time round, the sun is punishing the people not even the vegetation’ says a Herder, ‘if you graze your cattle in the field until evening, you return home with a very bad headache'.

herders walking goats and sheep through the dry Olkiramatian Plains

With the rising temperatures other effect like the reducing levels of water in both the Oloibortoto and Entasopia rivers make it impossible for farmers living further from Nguruman escarpments to cultivate their land.

Farmer irrigating his crops

‘Some of us have had to rent farms that are closer to the water source in order to sustain ourselves since agriculture is our only livelihood.’ said a farmer. ‘Even in the farms that are closer to the escarpment, the water is not adequate for all the farmers and disputes are a common occurrence’.

Parts of lake Magadi that always maintained some water even in the dry season have dried up this time round.

Blowing away iron sheet and grass roofing and breaking down trees, the winds that have become a common phenomenon every evening have caused damage to houses and farms in various parts of Nguruman.‘The wind blows sand into your mouth and eyes making it a hustle to walk or even stand outside in the evenings’ Says Mr. Kimani, a Nguruman resident.

In the past five days, unpredictable rains accompanied by thunder and lightning have been experienced in the area raising worries from the residents that the long rains could be coming sooner than expected finding them unprepared to utilize the wet season. The long rains have over the years presented an opportunity for the residents to cultivate larger tracks of land that could not be sustained by rain fed agriculture. 

Nguruman farmers engage in Contract farming at last

By Samuel Nzioka

Nguruman area has for a long time been known for its high production due to availability of water for irrigation throughout the year. Farmers have been cultivating their crops and selling them without proper channels in place and have sometimes fallen into wrong hands thus suffering losses. This trend didn’t take long before the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Horticultural Development Authority (HCDA) took action and made it a requirement for every agent to sign a contract with farmers who will be supplying them with farm produce.

The agreement stipulates the produce in terms of type, quantity and quality for a specific period of time and price. To facilitate this process, farmers formed marketing groups under which they signed contracts with the agents on behalf of the exporters. 

Asian vegetable at a collection point in Nguruman

This came at a time when farmers were facing high production costs due to high prices for farm inputs. It was a sign of relief to farmers as strict measures were to be taken to any party breaching the contract terms and conditions. This is an important measure to cushion the farmer from buyers who offers low prices since a standard price for each farm produce was set and any breach will attract a fine or even ban from buying.

Farmers were taken through gross margin analysis to help them figure out how much they spend to produce a carton or kilogram of horticultural crops they have in season. Every buyer or agent is required to have registered with MOA and HCDA before he can be allowed to buy any farm produce under existing conditions. They should also have a list of farmers they are buying from, and how much each farmer is producing together with a signed agreement between the agent and the farmers group.

Farmers were assured that HCDA is mandated to protect them and to ensure fairness they should ensure that they stick to the agreement.

ENTASOPIA MINI DEBATES

By Joshua Kisemei

Voters in Entasopia town gathered at the only two available video showrooms to witness the proceedings of the second presidential debate.

Entasopia town is located around 140 kilometers south west of Nairobi deep inside Kajiado County. Lack of electricity in this area forces voters to pay video show operators in order to watch news and any other main events in the country.

This Monday however, the video shows that are normally filled with movie fans was crowded with voters who were keen to follow and comment on the responses of the aspirants they support and the other contestants.

The video room was full of life with people starting mini debates that extended into the night long after the official debate has ended. The administration police had to make rounds in the town instructing small and large debate groups to break up and go to sleep late in the night.

The mini debates mostly featured exchanges between supporters of Jubilee alliance and CORD alliance surrounding the topics covered in the debate with each side arguing that their contestant has won the debate and quoting instances that the other contestant refused or was unable to answer questions.

Presidential candidates at the first debate. Photo: Nairobi Wire

It was clear that voters saw Peter Kenneth as the most suitable for the presidency. However they still maintained their hard lined positions with the common reason being that Kenneth should contest in the next general elections.

The video rooms were filled with laughter every time Mohammed Abdul  Dida was called to answer or ask a question. There tremendous roars sparked by the question ‘do you expect a thief to tell you he has stolen?’

Mwalimu Mohammed Dida. Photo: Daily Post

Some of the comments that were exchanged included:
‘There is no guarantee that the next president will not manipulate the land commission if we are having this discussion now’

‘The ministry of lands and the ministry of special programs all had hidden agendas in the deal to purchase land’

‘9 billion error’

KAJIADO COUNTY POLITICS ONLINE

By Joshua Kisemei

Kajiado county politics has heated on internet social sites like facebook. Facebook users from the county have created pages for contestants in the main political positions like governor, senator and MP.

One of the most notable group online is the 2012 kajiado county politics which has transformed within the last three months into a debate centre for the major political developments both in the county and nationally

The recent court order nullifying the degree presented by the county’s gubernatorial candidate Mr. Kores is one of the heated topics currently with members suggesting where to vote if IEBC decides to remove their candidate from the race.

Ole Kores, the Gubernatorial candidate for Kajiado County.

Most of the members are from the dominant tribe in the county, the Maasai, and it’s common practice to see members write their comments and updates in the local language. Some comments in the page are development oriented while some are downright inflammatory. Here are a sample of the comments:

 ‘synovate Kajiado 
GOVERNOR:parantai 5% nkedianye 60% livondo 25% obadiah 10%
WOMEN REP:mary senator 45% emily kiparki 48% others 7%
SENATE:mositet 46% nkeri 51% kinyanjui 7% 
KAJIADO CENTRAL MP:memusi 25% nkaissery 65% nkabashi 5% tutui 5%
.....dont be mad comment with love’

Even with all the politics in the page, this is the winner comment; surprisingly it has the least comments:

‘As Kenyans continue chest-thumping and foot-stamping in praise of their political leaders who are seeking office to get wealthier, the real issues that matter to us are left unchecked. It is such ignorance that the leaders seeking office are so desperately hoping to win and ride on.
-Fuel Prices were hiked 7 days ago.
-Kenya Power has sent an application to Energy Regulatory Commission to raise our power bills.
-People in Migori have left their homes due to increased cattle rustling.
-In Liboi today, gunmen opened fire killing 7 people in a Mosque. But no, that is not our priority.
Once the elections are done, the tribesmen that we have christened "mtu wetu" will laugh all the way to the bank while we try to "survive" in the next 5 years wondering when the rain started pounding. We will whine about fuel prices, impunity be the executive, power bills, insecurity and much more yet we let our ignorance divide us and misplace our priorities. I will not ask you who to vote for. In fact, if your ignorance makes you sleep, then be it. Like Abraham Lincoln once said; “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”’

Stakeholders and residents within Nguruman quest for 3G network

By Samuel Nzioka

Nguruman residents and part  of the larger olkiramatian location spend their weekend without mobile network connection as the only safaricom network mask was not functional. This has been a recurring occurrence and has affected communication and business transactions with M-pesa agents and their customers counting  losses since some people depended on mobile banking to buy fresh produce for sale in other parts of the county and in major towns.

"Majority of businesses involving mobile banking takes place over the weekend and this has affected our business... All M-pesa services are down and we can not buy farm produce for the mondays kiserian market" said one tomato crop vendor.

 Another community member who was expecting a visitor cursed the inconvenience caused since he couldn't communicate at all.

"The network is very weak and makes us spend a lot of time on internet while sending attachments on e-mail or even when blogging. It takes a lot of time to upload a compressed picture.... it will be great if we get 3G network...." said David Meitamei, a Maarifa centre user.

This has been a recurring occurrence and despite being reported to the service provider severally no attempts has been seen in bid to address the issue.

Sometimes last one week stakeholders working around  Nguruman held a discussion at Nguruman Maarifa centre, a meeting that sought way forward regarding recurring network issues at Olkiramatian location. Chaired by Joel Njonjo, a Researcher at African conservation centre (ACC), an agreement was arrived at to follow up the issue with safaricom staff who had visited the area and confirmed their full support on the issue.

Safaricom network mask at Ngomongo with technicians aboard. Photo by Samuel Nzioka

NCV team visited the site on Monday to probe and to confirm weather really there is any on going advancements to address the issue. Interestingly, there were three technicians  at the top of the mask. Efforts to reach them for comments were futile as they were very busy carrying stuff up and down the mask.
Some of the issues raised by the stakeholders included delays in response to emergencies due to poor network, delayed transactions, slow internet connection thus delayed response to official matters and other areas completely not having coverage.

It is presumed that, the situation may improve as there is a commendable improvement within the last 24 hours.

Mango vendors ambush Nguruman

By Samuel Nzioka

Mango vendors from other parts of the country have rocked Nguruman area to buy Mangoes which is one of the fruit crops which thrive well in the area. The activity which begun about two weeks ago is picking momentum and seeing at-least three lorries drive away with the commodity every day. Nguruman is likely to be the only place within the country producing the commodity at this time of the year according to a report by one of the buyers.

"I have been in the business for the last ten years and you cannot find the commodity in any other part of the country at this time of the year..." said one of the buyers who sought anonymity.

Mango vendors parking mangoes in cartons with a lorry on stand-by. Photo by James Mathu

The prices have also dropped from Ksh 18 to 10 per piece for export quality and from Ksh 12 to 6 for the local market depending on size (Apple Mango). A crate had also dropped from Kshs 600 to 300 for the other local varieties. Due to ongoing rains the vendors fear for their business profits as a result of poor transport systems that has led to increase in the cost of transport. Speaking to one of the vendors, it was clear that Mangoes from Nguruman are rated 'Export quality' and most of them find their way to overseas markets.

Nguruman area for a long time has been the bread basket for fresh commodities supplying towns within the outskirts of Nairobi like Kiserian, Rongai, Ngong and also main market in Nairobi. The poor state of the road has been the talk of the day with political aspirants promising to address the issue but after wooing the voters, nothing is addressed.

On a meting with the farmers, the Divisional Agricultural Extension Officer (DAEO) Mr Bainito advised that, before selling any farm produce to a buyer, the farmer has to do gross margin for his production including all costs so as to settle at the minimum selling price for the produce. This came amidst call by the Ministry of Agriculture to have all brokers registered with HCDA for them to buy any product from the farmers.

Farmers being taken through gross Margin analysis exercise at MOA grounds. Photo by Samuel Nzioka.

"There has been a long time tred by brokers to exploit the farmers... this will not be the case when they register with HCDA... we will be able to monitor the prices so as to save the farmers". said the officer in charge on an interview with NCV crew.

The officer also urged farmers to cooperate with his ministry to solve the market curtails which has seen many farmers suffer losses due to poor prices and lack of marketing strategies.

A lady with her two daughters suspected to have been poisoned

By Kelvin Koinet.

A lady and her two young daughters were admitted at Entasopia health centre for three days since Friday 26^th 10 2012 to Monday 29^th 10 2012 last week for stomach complication. It was alleged that they were mistakably poisoned by a woman who wanted to kill her husband, saying he was cheating on her.

The lady reported that the couple from Ilkisongo community in Tanzania has not been in terms for a long time. They had a big quarrel a day before the incident. The woman was heard by neighbors talking at the top of her voice about her ‘unfaithful’ husband. As reported, the woman promised to poison the husband and kill the woman he is moving out with by cutting her with a panga. She said in her angry talk she will then disappear from the place after the killing.  

On Thursday, the lady had gone to herd with her two daughters in Mr. Tolus, their neighbors’ garden where the couple has rented a farm to cultivate. They have been herding there for quite a while since the beginning of the dry season. As reported by Mrs. shung’eya, they were good friends with the Ilkisonko woman and she always give them tea when they go there to herd and she gave them milk whenever they come to ask for. ‘That day we were not given tea’ she said. After asking for the tea that was in a kettle next to the fire place for several times and the woman resisted to give out saying it belongs to the husband, Mrs. Shung’eya offered to give milk to be used to cook some other tea after they drink the first. At last the three took the tea. Another woman passed by and shared the tea.

Two young girls at the Entasopia health centre wards after being admitted.
 They were surffering from stomach complications.
 photo by Kelvin Koinet.

Later when they went home after herding, they started feeling ill. That night, they suffered stomach pain and diarrhea. The three were rushed in a motor bike to Entasopia health centre the following morning where they were admitted.

Lap technicians Joseph Kasio and Mr.Macharia said there has been reported cases of stomach problems but most have bacterial infections. when asked about the family and the other woman, they said nothing have been seen through the microscope available at the centre. They added that machines available at the centre can not detect chemical infections. 

The other woman who shared the tea is said to have suffered stomach pain and diarrhea but has not reported to hospital. Mrs. Shung’eya and many people from the neighborhood beliefs the woman had poisoned the tea for her husband but hit the untargeted.

The suspect was also found fainted near her homestead the same morning when the three were rushed to the health centre. She vomited and diarrhea and suspected to have tried to commit suicide.   

In another story, early Tuesday morning the 23th Oct 2012, a nother lady was caught near her homestead in a neighboring village of Ngomongo attempting to commit suicide. The lady was attempting to take some lethal pesticides. This followed a quarrel with the husband the previous eve for coming home late. The lady accused him of having affairs with another woman. 

Which is the way about selling of our horticulture?

By Kelvin Koinet

Horticultural crops development authority (HCDA) represented by Kajiado County HCDA station manager Mr. Kitili has been on the ground at Nguruman since the beginning of this month amid capping farmer’s exploitation by their agricultural produce buyers mostly agents who link farmers and exporters.

A statement from a farmer, Mr. Kahuria Ndung’o said ‘we don’t know which way to go about selling our horticulture produce. Earlier, we had groups but they did not help. Now if the buyers’ agents register with (HCDA) office, does it solve the farmer’s problem or will it leaves us in the same darkness!’

When the Asian vegetables cultivation began in 1992, the business was good. Farmers signed contracts with the exporters and they had accounts with the exporters and payments were made monthly. Later when production was in access, other buyers intruded and started buying in cash. Its then that prices dropped and since then most farmers have vacated the business after realizing they have been running it to loss. Other horticultural produce like mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, watermelon, onion and many other have ever been bought without contracts and have suffer low prices. Mr. Kiruri explained to Nguruman community voices that it is hard to control agricultural business since the market is free at the consumer side. Consumers buy goods where they wish and at the price they can afford at the time and when we become hard on buyers, we might loss the little that we are getting. He further explained that Horticultural produce are perishable so farmers have to sell immediately at the available prices.  

A meeting was held on thursday the 25^th October 2012 at the Agricultural grounds between HCDA, ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Nguruman farmers. The aim was to discuss and organize farmer’s best way to sell their horticultural produce and ask them to bear with the current restriction put against the agents buying from the area until they register with HCDA and adhere with the laws therein. The agents will be identified with a budge and a certificate of registration. They will be required to have a list of farmers from whom they are buying produce and the produce each farmer is producing together with a signed agreement between the agent and the farmers group. The agreement will stipulate the agreed produce in terms of type, quantity and quality for a specific period of time and price.

The meeting at Nguruman Agricultural  grounds.
photo by Kelvin Koinet

Mr. Mabeer Parmuar argued that ‘agents to register with HCDA and farmers will decide on their own where, to whom and how to sell their produce’.  Argument was there has been such plan in the past but nothing has been attained. Another farmer, Mr. Oleshakai Ong’eetiai urged the ministry of agriculture and HCDA ‘to have a strong stand to defend farmers since they are in position and are authorized by the government to do so’.

Mr. Kitili from HCDA urged the farmer to join hands with HCDA to make sure that they attain best horticultural produce prices. He said the best procedure will be farmers to form groups so as to organize themselves and sign contracts with the buyers at the agricultural office so as to get appropriate guidance. This will make sure prices are constants and that they are assured of selling the produce.

Farmers concern was whether HCDA will be able to control the agents from exploiting them knowing that they do not have constant produce throughout the year. On the same meeting, TATA chemicals Magadi, a company that runs the soda mining at Lake Magadi reported that farmers are now diverting the water that goes to the companies’ intake and use it for irrigation. This is certainly due to water shortage at the time, a clear indication that farmers will not be able to produce consistently. As farmers are supposed to form groups and elect management committees, there was fear that corruption may foul the process and the consistent of the plan. Exporters are also suspected to corrupt the deal.

An agreement was reached at forming farmers groups and agreements will be signed between agents and farmers.

An elder asked Mr.Kitili to maintain his stand to make sure that the plan is attained saying there have been such leaders with strong ambitions but they were brought down by corruption. ‘Now they just sit in offices and grow big bellies while the people they are supposed to serve are suffering’ he added.    

Community members raise concerns over job opportunities

By Joshua Kisemei

Yellow House Company has decided to reshuffle its workforce in order to increase participation of group ranch members in the implementation of the Small Scale Horticultural Project that intends to rehabilitate the irrigation system in Nguruman.This is after the community raised an alarm over job opportunities for their members.

In a meeting held on the 10^th of October 2012, community members complained that most of the people working in the project’s casual section have been outsourced by plumbers and sub-contractors from other areas.

"Sometimes we give the plumbers a list of people to employ but they still bring in more people from outside the group ranch" said a member of Nguruman Irrigation Water Users Association’s (IWUA)committee.

Masons working on a weir protecting the irrigation water intake.
(Photo: Kelvin Koinet)

The committee which is charged with the responsibility of overseeing implementation of the project on behalf of the farmers decided to review the list of workers and give priority to members of the group ranch.

The IWUA chairman assured employees who are members of the group ranch that their jobs were secure. "Members of Olkiramatian group ranch don’t have a problem, your jobs are secure. However if you have indiscipline cases like incitement and theft you will be penalized." The committee also developed a list of 24 members who will be trained as plumbers. Among the 24, the best 12 will be selected to take over repair and maintenance when the project is handed to the Nguruman IWUA committee.

Other issues discussed in the meeting included theft of company tools which has grown rampant. That same morning a group of employees were caught stealing equipments from the site among them, spades and other tools.

"I saw them carrying bags and asked to inspect them. When they finally agreed to spill out the contents, I was surprised," said Joseph, one of the site guards.

The workers brought the issue of late payment of their wages to the meeting. It was agreed that instead of paying fortnightly the company should give wages monthly. This came after a recent controversy sparked by late and incomplete payments which led to a workers strike that prompted the company to pay all workers from 8^th-10^th October.

"Some of us have missing days. I have five days that I registered and I have not been paid for," said one employee.

Irrigation system set to turn tables in Nguruman

By Kelvin Koinet

The community living within Nguruman irrigation scheme is set to change their locally developed farming and irrigation system after the laying of a new irrigation scheme in the area.

The scheme is distinctive in the area with fertile soils, plenty supply of water and rich in vegetation cover. It is within Olkiramatian Group Ranch of the Maasai pastoral community, about 150 km from Nairobi. It is connected to the small soda ash mining town of Magadi via a murram road that runs through the salty plains dominated by stunted acacia trees, short shrubs and scrubs.  The scheme is divided into two main blocks. Entasopia block starts from Entasopia water intake, spreads through the Congo village while the Oloibortoto block starts at Oloibortoto water intake through Oltepesi village both ending at river Ewaso Ng’iro south about 8 kilometers to the east.

View of the scheme from Nguruman escarpments

Photo by Kelvin Koinet

Mr. Mathu, an agricultural officer in the area said “If appropriate farming and irrigation methods are used, we will produce large volumes of agricultural produce for the cosmopolitan community that lives here”.

Small Scale Horticultural Development Project (SHDP) supported by African Development Bank (ADB) and the ministry of agriculture is installing a new irrigation system whereby all irrigation water will be piped to the farms and sprinkler system will replace the basin irrigation. This is in a view to reduce water loss through evaporation and seepage. The efficiency of the system will reduce labor in terms of canal cleaning and maintaining and watering labor. It is expected that acreage under cultivation will increase from the current 350 ha to 1,876 ha and therefore increase production.

SHDP has facilitated the formation of a functional association (Nguruman Irrigation Water Users Association) whose main objectives are to manage the scheme in terms of operation and maintenance of the irrigation infrastructure, production and marketing of horticultural produce, environmental conservation and conflict management. The association seeks to mitigate low prices of agriculture produce and poor transport infrastructure as well as forming a link between farmers and the SHDP. The association is registered with the ministry of gender and social services.  There are challenges though. Members have not held elections as stipulated by the constitution. It is now four years yet they should have been held after three years.

It is important to understand the history of farming in the area which is believed to have commenced in early sixties and development can be traced back to the time. The pioneers were the Sonjo and the Waarrusa communities from Tanzania. During that time in the early sixties, the Maasai community was purely pastoralist practicing the nomadic pastoralism in the open Olkiramatian plains. Later a few Maasai community members came to Nguruman for farming.

Irrigation water is abstracted from the two main rivers Oloibortoto and Entasopia that transverse the scheme down from Nguruman escarpment. Up to date, Water for irrigation is drawn from the rivers using simple division by gravity into constructed canals that lead to farms.  In the beginning, Irrigation was by flooding and farmers used water whenever they want because it was plenty. Crops grown were maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, guards, pumpkin, bananas, mangoes and sugar cane.

Each canal is now managed by an elected committee that ensures the watering schedule is followed and the canal is maintained. Farmers today use basin irrigation where the land is tilled and basins are constructed to retain water. Crops grown have also changed. As reported by Mr. Bainito, Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) Magadi, in 1991 the ministry of agriculture introduced the Asian vegetables for export. The business brought a lot of revenue to the farmers and this catapulted the area to fame thereafter.

Members of the scheme are now taking sides concerning the project. Part of the community thinks the project will create a micro economic zone and promote faster development.

A bigger percentage of the community is not for the new irrigation project. “Honestly I don’t like the project. We are afraid of the change, because we are uncertain of the outcome. What will happen to the wildlife and cattle that is depended on the natural rivers and irrigation canals as water points? Is there a provision for water points for them? We may lose our wildlife”, Satia, a youth from the area and a research assistant at ICIPE questioned.

Farmers say there will be an obvious wildlife human conflict for water and feeds if all the green that is mostly on canals will be gone. A student from an American university taking environmental studies established that if all the irrigation water is tapped in to pipes, most of the figs and many other tree species growing along water canals may be phased out. Farmers fear that birds will eat their corn or they may poison them all. As observed by a group of resource assessors from Olkiramatian Research Centre, Lalleenok. Over twenty birds of different species visit a fig tree in thirty minutes to eat figs or to rest. That may mean the birds will have crops as alternative feeds and habitat.

The community feels that there should have been a lot of consultations which they claim have not been the case. But now that the project has started, they are asking for a provision for water to flow in the initial water ways at least once a week for the vegetation, livestock and wildlife.

“If all that the community is asking to be considered is in cooperated, then we have the best project ever”, One of the farmers said.

Hidden treasures of Nguruman

By Esther Nanetia

Nguruman, located in Olkiramatian Group Ranch, past Lake Magadi is about 162km southwest of Nairobi. It is administratively run by the new Kajiado County hived from the former populous Rift Valley province. The area is situated at the foot of the Nguruman escarpment and boarders Ewaso Nyiro River to the east.

The plenty supply of water comes from Entasopia, Oloibortoto, Sampu and Ewaso Nyiro rivers which originate from the Mau ranges cutting through the conserved forests of Nguruman escapement as they flow to Lake Natron in Tanzania. Due to sufficient water supply, there is diverse vegetation cover of huge acacia, fig, and cordia seninsis trees among other native species. The under growth consists of bushes and herbs. This has resulted in a distinctive microclimate that brings out a serene natural environment of clean water and air.

The hospitable maa community is the main inhabitants of the area, who are mainly pastoralist while others have adapted to crop farming and retail businesses. The maa community is known for their conservative culture while their simple lifestyle enables them to conserve the environment.

Tourist facilities are rapidly developing in Nguruman. Lodges, camping sites and guest houses are springing up in the area. Sampu lodge, a community lodge in Olkiramatian Conservation, is strategically located on the Sampu hills overlooking the Sampu river where lions and buffalos among other wildlife come to drink, about twenty meters from the tents giving a magnificent view of the conservation area.

Sampu Lodge tented camp. photo by Kelvin Koinet

Oloibortoto centre commonly called Ngomongo hosts two guest houses which are also available in Entasopia centre. These are major services that provide accommodation to tourists visiting the area. Both centres are at the foot of the lush green escarpment providing a panoramic view to the guests.

Four camping sites are available situated in different sides of the area especially along the rivers. They include Cool Waters along Oloibortoto River, Entasopia River camping site, Enkare Ng’iro and Lalenook camping sites. These sites offer quite environment for tourists who wish to interact with nature away from the busy and noisy urban settings. They can also do leisure fishing, swimming and bird shooting. However, permission must be obtained from the relevant authorities to enable one conduct these leisure activities.

Some of the best shots of Loisiijo Camp located along river Ewaso Ngiro.
Photo courtesy of SORALO

Escarpment hiking is also available. This is due to the established hiking tracks in Ilchoroi vicinity. Those hiking usually end up being greeted by the awesome sights of Entasopia Falls. Swimming is also available at the falls.

The Maasai community is rich in culture. This is one of the major tourist attractions. Moran dances and meat camps are some of the regular events found in the area. The mode of dressing characterized by the cladding of beads, red ochre and shuka fascinates tourists. This is coupled with chanting of traditional songs accompanied by sensational jumping with horn blowing. In meat camps, eating of smoked meat and drinking of herbal soup is the main activity that occurs here. Visitors are usually treated with this local cuisine. Notably this is a preserve for men.

Nguruman has a lot of unexplored tourist sites. Those who visit the area will find the place charming and unique.

Fig tree: the heritage of Nguruman

By Rafael Mutiso

Fig trees are rare, useful and grow naturally in sites with high water table, swamps and along rivers. In Nguruman, they mainly grow along the numerous streams and water canals constructed by farmers to convey water to their farms hence their spread and abundance in the area. They require soils that are sandy, rich and well drained. The trees are propagated through seeds and cuttings. When cultivated in a home garden they require considerable space as they enlarge, spread, very shady and are fairly fast growing. The most common species of fig trees is Ficus carica known as the common fig.

Common fig found in Nguruman  (Ficus carica)

The tree, due to its large size provides a cool shade, aesthetic value, and acts as a wind breaker. It also acts as a carbon sink keeping the air fresh. Its roots helps to hold soil firmly hence reducing soil erosion and increase water retention. This plays a key role in land improvement. It also acts as a mulch reducing loss of water through evaporation thus supporting vegetation underneath.

The inhabitants of Nguruman area are mainly the maa people who value the tree for its diverse uses. They use its leaves as fodder for their livestock by cutting the branches. The leaves are fairly high in nutritive value with about 9% crude  protein dry matter. Fruits are    eaten by livestock especially goat and sheep. Wild animals like monkeys, baboons and gazelles eat the fig fruits. Birds mainly the Mouse birds, pigeons and many specious of doves among other birds feed on the fig fruits thus supporting wildlife and reducing human wildlife conflict. They are also consumed by people; fresh, stewed or dried and stored for later use. Ripe figs are used for alcoholic beverages. The inner bark is used to make strong ropes used by women to carry firewood and water over long distances.

Nguruman residents also use the tree for various medicinal purposes. The leaves are used to treat snakebites and jaundice. The latex is said to be effective for chest diseases, colds and dysentery while the bark is used to treat coughs, throat infections, chest pain and anaemia in children hence saving lives as well as medicinal costs.

Some species of the tree has several spiritual and sacred uses such as performing various rituals in the community such as keeping away evil spirits. It is also a focal point for resolving conflict among the people.

Although the importance of the fig tree is irreplaceable and therefore must be conserved to keep the species around for a long time, it faces a big challenge as there is an ongoing project to pipe water for irrigation leaving the canals dry. This is a clear indication that all the fig trees along the canals may dry up.

Those who visit Nguruman will enjoy the shade and beautiful scenery created by the towering green indigenous fig trees.