A History of Khat Production and Its Socio-Economic Impact in Siakago Sub County, Embu County-Kenya From 1980 To 2018

Abstract

Before diversification into Khat production in Siakago, most of the households were engaged in subsistence farming activities. The agricultural sector was performing poorly being a semi-arid area raising a serious concern. The area was characterized by poor households and was unable to meet their most basic needs, low productivity, subsistence farming as well as deprivation of social infrastructure. Diversification into Khat production in Siakago Division was aimed at improving the socio economic lives of the households which it seemed not to have achieved, since the area is still charactelized as a food insecure zone, poor households and deprivation of social infrastructure.This study sought to explore the Socio -economic impacts Khat production on rural households of Siakago division from 1980 to 2018. The study traced the history of Khat production in Siakago division between 1980 and 2018, examined the social and economic activities of the people of Siakago division before introduction of Khat and examined the social and economic impacts of Khat production on rural households of Siakago Division from 1980 to 2018. The study was guided by the theory of articulation mode of production. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population was 380 people who were Khat producers in Siakago division. A total of 196 people were randomly sampled and interviewed from 6 sub location. The instruments to collect data were interview schedule, focus group discussion and observation schedule. Secondary data was collected from archival, oral sources and secondary sources. Khat existed in Siakago long enough before it was discovered, used and cultivated for economic purposes. Khat adoption and commercialization in Siakago occurred within a decade and by 1980, the crop had spread in many areas altering the previous form of production. The adoption of khat production was as a result of its economic benefits attached to its sale. The support by the government on khat production by 1980 was a means of agricultural diversification in the area. This was aimed at making the area self-sufficient in terms of agricultural production. The people of Siakago grew food crops for subsistence use while Khat is the main cash crops grown. Labour was provided collectively and shared among men and women in the family. Production was mainly aimed at curbing food insecurity. The Siakago people engaged in trading activities to exchange for what they did not produce. The study finally concludes that khat production had both social and economic impacts among producing households. The previous communal land ownership was replaced with a more centralized and formal one for people to own their specific khat farms. Khat production and use resulted in extinction of social relations and gender roles as men spent much time in khat chewing joints. School-going pupils were absorbed by khat farms to provide cheap labour for cheap money thus dropping out of school. The previous decentralized trading methods were replaced with a more centralized one characterized by central trading centres. It is hoped that the study may help the government devise better policies that can promote the living standards of the people in the area.. The results of the study may also provide empirical data that can be utilized by other scholars in carrying out related studies.