Sacred groves (kibaga) of Mfangano Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya
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Date
2004
Authors
Ogol, Callistus KP.O.
Ogola, Patrick O.
Beatrice Khayota, Beatrice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
A questionnaire method was used to obtain information about the sacred groves and identity of
other protected and sacred plants ofMfangano Island. Some 36 sacred groves, locally known in
the Suba language as Kibaga, were reported to have existed on Mfangano Island, of which
some 19 still exist, and the other 17 were described as extinct. From the existing groves, 12
were identified as threatened with 7 being intact. They ranged in size from 30m2
, represented
by a tree, while the largest was a forest patch covering approximately 15,000m2 (1.5 Ha.).
Three broad classes of sacred groves were recognized: burial sites for elders, homesteads of
pioneer immigrants, and leprosy victim burial grounds. Each clan is associated with a set of
groves whose protection is the. responsibility of its members. Threats to the groves are mostly
anthropogenic in nature, and include vegetation clearing for homesteads, agriculture, forest
products and other developments. Furthermore, modem Christian faith and educational ideals
conflict with these traditional beliefs, further endangering these groves. Several plant species,
particularly trees, are considered special and are accorded differential treatment, based on their
socio-cultural or utilitarian value. Using some of these for building or firewood is considered a
taboo, a status that has provided such species protection.The study has demonstrated that the
people of Mfangano have a good traditional ecological knowledge for natural resource use and
conservation.
Description
This article was scanned from a hard copy of East African Journal of Life Sciences 5(2): 49-58 (2002t)
Keywords
Mfangano, conservation, special trees, sacred groves
Citation
East African Journal of Life Sciences 5(2): 49-58 (2002t