Resumen de Attitudes on land-use systems and social mindset transformations after group ranch subdivision in Kenya
Virginia Ng’endo Kinuthia, Raphael Githaiga Wahome
Ranch subdivision transforms the landscape in terms of human, other biodiversity and land use systems. Studies have generally concentrated on its effects on land productivity and biodiversity. However, gaps exist on information available on social wellbeing of communities after ranch subdivision, perhaps due to its broad, diverse and complex nature. The case of Aimi ma Kilungu (AMK) ranch subdivision is used here to delve into the potential transformation of attitudes and practices on land tenure and land use systems in addition to social restructuring necessary for survival in the new environment. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews to respond to questionnaire questions. There were 79 respondents randomly selected from those who had settled in AMK after subdivision. The driving forces for ranch subdivision were; the opportunity to change one’s fate and economic empowerment which were presented, during the research, as the expectations and apprehensions held by the affected persons. Factors such as ownership of land and the desire for freedom also played a major role. There were challenges met on settling at AMK, but settlers developed coping strategies and transformed themselves and the land to enhance their living standards. From the results, respondents preferred ranch subdivision to group ranching, citing improved quality of life, freedom to determine land use priorities and ability to create practices for ambitious livelihoods.
