Influence of Miraa Cultivation on Changing Agricultural Land Use Patterns in Mbita and Kianjiru Locations, Embu County

Abstract

This study focuses on the influence of miraa (Catha edulis) production on land-use patterns in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. It was borne out of the need to interrogate the phenomenon of invasive and unregulated land-use practices, particularly agricultural practices that have far-reaching spatial and socio-economic implications on livelihoods; and seek mechanisms to safeguard rural areas from negative consequences emanating from the same. The study endeavored to critically examine and understand the spatial facets of miraa farming in the study area with a view of providing an integrated and sustainable model for land use in the study area and in the country at large. The study area was purposely sampled based on its role as the second largest miraa production area in the country after Nyambene Hills in Meru County. The study specifically focused on 10 sample villages in Mbita and Kirima Sub-Locations. The study partly involved critical analysis of theoretical underpinnings informing production of miraa from interrogation of literature and theories of land use and land cover. The study revealed that miraa production in the study area has occurred spontaneously and has continued to expand rapidly over the years, tending to dominate over other forms of production. The production has directly altered the land-use pattern through extensification and intensification of production and indirectly through multiplicationof human activities in the region. Further, the production has reconfigured human settlement patterns. On one hand, there is rapid concentration of population around the emerging commercial nodes that offer auxiliary services and double as miraa collection centres. On the other hand, there are scattered settlements around the miraa farms where actual production takes place. The main drivers of miraa production are its high commercial benefit, high market demand and the existence of an elaborate trade network. As part of recommendations, the study proposes efficient land administration, fast tracking land-use planning universally, from the national to the local level and sectoral planning for agriculture development including planning for institutional changes so as to fully exploit the value chain of other agricultural products in the region. The study further proposes the regulation of miraa production through policy guidelines for provision of alternative sources of livelihoods and diversification of production.