Pastoralists in dire straits : survival strategies and external interventions in a semi-arid region at the Kenya/Uganda border: Western Pokot, 1900-1986

List of Figures 8had to look for a new theoretical basis.In this process of reorientation, Mirjam Schomaker played a major role.She was a student in physical geography, specialized in land evaluation, when she assisted us during half a year in 1982-3.After that she continued to bridge the gap between human and physical geography.We gradually refined a model approach of 'population supporting capacity' and it was this approach which provided us with th«~ key to understand the impact of variability and crises on the economy of semi-arid areas.Not the 'impact of development projects on market integration' became our field of study, but the 'impact of external interventions on survival strategies in a highly variable environment'.We gained a lot from the opportunity to discuss our ideas with colleagues and students cooperating in the 'Semi-Arid Lands Project Amsterdam'.I would like to thank them for providing a stimulating academic environment.The DGIS connection meant an emphasis on descriptive work.In 1985 it was felt that it was about time to start with a more analytical analysis of our archival and fieldwork material.I decided to concentrate this in-depth study on the western part of the area of the Pokot.This economic region includes parts of Karamoja in Uganda; between 1932 and 1970 even most of the study area was administered by Uganda.I was greatly assisted by a student, Jan Willem le Grand, who went to Karamdja twice to study archival material, to gather a lot of 1 grey 1 literature and to interview key informants.In Kenya, indispensable assistance was given by a number of research assistants, especially Simon Lopeyok Otyang, Romanus Partany Chizupo, Albinus Kotomei, Michael Ptalam Lodiokile and Rachel Andiema.I hope this book will stimulate them to go on with their own research on Pokot culture and economy.Of course, without the numerous Pokot informants this study would not have been possible.I wish them a pastoral future.