Indigenous Rainmaking Practices and Their Impact on Climate Change in Western Kenya

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the indigenous rainmaking practices in Western Kenya. The specific objectives of the paper are to analyse the prevalence, evidence, seriousness, and effects of climate change in Western Kenya; the local community’s response to the effects of climate change in Western Kenya; how the indigenous rainmaking practices can be used to mitigate the consequences of climate change; and strategies which can be used to mainstream indigenous rainmaking practices in building climate change resilience in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vision 2030 and the “Big 4” Agenda in Kenya. The study used a qualitative research approach. Data was collected using interviews with indigenous rainmakers and scientific weather experts in Western Kenya. Data was analysed qualitatively using ATLAS.ti. The study revealed that the climate of Western Kenya has drastically changed. This has affected the rainy seasons. The locals have responded by planting drought-resistant crops that can withstand the changes and planting trees to boost rainfall. Indigenous rainmaking practices such as making rain, preventing rain, and predicting rain are used by rainmakers to enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation in the region. It is evident from the findings that traditional rainmaking practices can contribute to food security, improved manufacturing by providing raw materials, healthy livelihoods, social security, and increased employment through sustainable agriculture. To maximise this potential, there is a need to mainstream traditional rainmaking practices in the national response to climate change through documenting, popularising and validating the practice.