11. (a)State 3 economic activities of the Borana during the pre-colonial period. (3mks)

Question

(b) Describe the social organization of Agikuyu during the pre-colonial period.(12 mark

Answer 1

(a) Economic Activities of the Borana During the Pre-Colonial Period (3 marks)

1. Pastoralism: The Borana people primarily engaged in nomadic herding, raising livestock such as cattle, goats, and camels. Their economic prosperity relied on the management of these herds, which provided meat, milk, and hides.

2. Trade: The Borana engaged in trade both within their communities and with neighboring groups. They exchanged livestock and animal products for grains, skins, and other goods, facilitating economic interaction across regions.

3. Agriculture: While pastoralism was dominant, some Borana practiced small-scale farming, growing crops such as sorghum and millet. This agricultural practice complemented their pastoral lifestyle and provided food security.

(b) Social Organization of the Agikuyu During the Pre-Colonial Period (12 marks)

1. Clan Structure: The Agikuyu society was organized into clans known as mbari, which were based on patrilineal lineage. Each clan had its own section of land and maintained distinct cultural practices and identity. Clans played a crucial role in social organization, governance, and resource management.

2. Age Sets: The Agikuyu employed an age-set system known as nthaka, where individuals of similar ages were grouped together. This system created social divisions for different roles and responsibilities within the community, such as initiating ceremonies, warfare, and labor.

3. Gender Roles: The social organization was patriarchal, with men generally responsible for herding, protection of the homestead, and decision-making. Women, on the other hand, played crucial roles in agriculture and domestic chores, such as milking and raising children, and some participated in trade.

4. Elders’ Authority: Elders held significant authority in Agikuyu society and were responsible for making important decisions, settling disputes, and maintaining cultural traditions. They were respected for their wisdom and experience and acted as custodians of the community’s laws and rituals.

5. Rituals and Ceremonies: The Agikuyu had rich cultural practices, with various rituals and ceremonies that marked life stages such as initiation, marriage, and elderhood. These events fostered community cohesion and reinforced social norms and values.

6. Religious Beliefs: The Agikuyu practiced a religion centered on a single God, Ngai, believed to inhabit Mount Kenya. They conducted rituals to appease Ngai and sought blessings for health, fertility, and good harvests, showcasing the community’s connection to spirituality.

7. Community Networks: Social organization among the Agikuyu was also characterized by strong community networks, where support systems were established for agriculture, childcare, and communal tasks like building and maintaining homes.

Overall, the social organization of the Agikuyu during the pre-colonial period was intricate and well-structured, with established roles and responsibilities that fostered both community bonding and continuity of cultural identity.