Gilbert Ouma

For generations, the Nganyi clan of Western Kenya has been regularly­ consulted and highly valued by the local community for its rainfall forecasts. Nganyi elders base their seasonal predictions on close observation and understanding of weather patterns, and the behaviour of plants and animals before the onset of rain. They pass their accumulated knowledge orally from one generation to the next. Historically, their practices have been shrouded in mysticism, which has led to the perception that they dabble in magic. So when we assembled a team consisting of two climate scientists, a social economist and experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department and Maseno University to conduct research among the Nganyi, we often faced ...