Indigenous Rainmaking Practices and Climate Change: The 'Kìlumì' Ritual of Kenya's Kamba Community

Abstract

Rainmaking rituals have been an integral part of Kenyan cultures for centuries, serving as a means to invoke rain during times of drought. While these practices may seem outdated or superstitious, they remain deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This research examines the "Kilùmì," a traditional rainmaking practice of the Kamba community in Kenya, as a potential tool for mitigating climate change and enhancing climate resilience. The study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and Ethnoecology, which explores how indigenous communities perceive, classify, and manage their natural resources, including traditional practices related to weather phenomena and climate patterns. Using an ethnographic approach and purposive sampling, the researcher interviewed 17 individuals aged 75-83 years, including rainmaking practitioners, community leaders, and elders who believe in the ritual's efficacy. Through qualitative analysis, the study explored the cultural significance of the Kilùmì ritual and its potential role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The findings reveal that the Kilùmì rainmaking ritual is a viable solution with the potential to support climate change adaptation efforts. The study recommends the inclusion of the Kilùmì ritual in community-based climate change initiatives and the integration of traditional rainmaking practices into national climate change action plans. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into adaptation strategies and fostering collaboration between indigenous knowledge holders and scientists are highlighted as key takeaways. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive and sustainable solutions that address climate change while preserving cultural diversity and embracing the interaction between indigenous and scientific knowledge. Further research is recommended to explore the challenges associated with integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge in climate change practices.

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