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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Changing land-use policy and population problems in Kitui District, Kenya
Author:Kisovi, Leonard M.ISNI
Year:1992
Periodical:Journal of Eastern African Research and Development (ISSN 0251-0405)
Volume:22
Pages:92-104
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs., ills.
Geographic terms:Kenya
East Africa
Subjects:land law
population pressure
demography
land use
demographic change
Kitui District (Kenya)
history
Abstract:This paper examines the historical evolution of population problems in Kitui District, Kenya, particularly focusing on the impact of changes in land use policy. Although the overall population density in Kitui District is low, population pressure throughout the district has reached a crisis level today. Three periods are distinguished: from the early 18th century to 1893, a period in which the Akamba lived in the area with hardly any external influence; the era of British colonial rule between 1893 and 1963; and the period of independence after 1963. Population problems in Kitui District began with the advent of British colonial rule, when the Akamba were confined to the 'Kitui Native Reserve' and some of their rich agricultural and grazing lands were declared 'Crown Lands', lands open to Europeans only, and to which Africans had no access. After 1963, wildlife and forest conservation, the creation of commercial ranching schemes, and the setting aside of land as 'trustland' (government land which has not been allocated and to which local people have no access unless authorized by the government) all seem to have worsened population problems currently being experienced in Kitui District. Bibliogr., note, sum.