The Contribution of Indigenous Economic knowledge and Practices to Social Transformation
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Date
2019-06
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The study engages the Endorois ethnic group from Sinende Location of Baringo County in Kenya to examine African indigenous economic knowledge practices to Social Transformation. It incorporates systems, practices and values, and their contribution to maintaining social well-being and economic equity. Further, it attempts to show that negative elements of the neo-liberal capitalist model such as individualism, greed and ecological destruction can be re-balanced by the adoption of African indigenous economic practices and values. In doing so, the study seeks to demonstrate how displacing indigenous economic practices and values affect the community. Linking indigenous economic knowledge, practices, and values to social transformation, the study seeks to establish that both share similar approaches to achieving an egalitarian community. The study adopted an ethnographic approach. Capability Approach theory, and the Balanced-Growth theory, together with the Kalenjin philosophy of maat supported the study. Data were gathered through observation and participation in the community’s activities, events and ceremonies, one-to-one in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Endorois Councils of Elders. The participants, during this fields work, were purposively selected with help from community’s influencers from Lake Bogoria and Sinende areas of Endorois community. The selection of participants focused on those who were considered knowledgeable in culture and history of the Endorois. The findings of the study show that indigenous economic practices and values of the Endorois accords every member of the community a ‘universal right’ to procure wealth while prohibiting the destruction of nature’s resources. The findings also point out that abandonment of African indigenous economic system and adoption of neo-liberal economic model could be key amongst causes of social, economic and ecological crises experienced in Africa and particularly by Endorois community. The findings further propose that re-engaging Endorois indigenous economic practices and values can pave the way for social transformation and reduce individualism, economic inequality, and destruction of natural resources.
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Keywords
Contribution of Indigenous Economic, Contribution of Indigenous Economic