The sheer bulk and height of Mt.Elgon is enough to create its own
rainfall. such power has drawn men to its forested slopes, its myriad of
mountain streams and its fertile plains from time immemorial. Here
cattle-herders from the arid north, forest hunters from the Congo basin,
wandering tribes displaced by aggressive Masai and migrating peoples
escaping from starvation or war, have converged, fought traded and
exchanged skills and ideas. Some settled and farmed the land; others,
after recovering their strength and courage, moved on to other places.
Currently the main communities in the region are the Ogiek, Sabot and
Abaluhya ; but many others have Elgon rooted in their traditional tales,
folklore and tribal history. The Ogiek are small are a small and
ancient group of forests hunter-gatherers for whom honey is vital part
of the economy and social systems. In the past they would trade honey
and other forest produce with the people of the plains in exchange for
iron ware and grain. Deforestation and capitalism have contributed to
their demise; they are now a very small community struggling to survive
in a fast –changing world.
The Sabaot occupy the north and eastern
parts of Elgon. Like their fellow Kalenjins of the north west
Cherangany ,the Pokot, they were ‘’cattle people’’, with beliefs,
traditions and ambitions steeped in pastrolism, but have greatly reduced
livestock keeping and turned more to the plough in recent times. Their
main crops are maize, beans, bananas, and vegetables. In fact this is
one of Kenya’s main maize producing areas.
The Abaluhya clans, of
which there are many, each with its distinct dialect and cultural
practices, occupy the southern slopes of Mt.Elgon and parts of the Trans
Nzoia plains. They were attracted here by the well-watered fertile
soils. They are mainly agriculturalists and skilled artisans, but
livestock has always had a social value above its economic worth and is
commonly exchanged as money.After Kilamanjaro and mount kenya ,mount
Elgon will spice up your trekking holiday while in East Africa
JBA- Kenya Safaris Holiday
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