The Impact of the Second World War on Livestock Industry among the Akamba of Machakos, 1939-1945
Winnifred Mwikali, Ph.D. candidate, Nicholas Makana, Associate Prof.

Abstract
This paper set out to examine the impact of world War Two on livestock economy among the Akamba of Machakos between 1939 and 1945. Specifically, it analyses how various colonial policies during the period of the Second World War altered the livestock economy among the Akamba of Machakos. Data collection for the study was done through primary and secondary sources. Primary sources involved the use of vast archival materials which provided the official state position on the topic. Oral interviews with selected informants helped to reveal the Akamba perception on the livestock economy in the area during the period under study. The target population consisted of people who were involved in livestock management or trade during World War II. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 24 informants who were well versed with Akamba livestock economy. In addition, secondary sources were utilized. They included books, journal articles, dissertations and unpublished documents. Data was analyzed using qualitative method. The study established that the outbreak of the Second World War had adverse effects on the livestock economy among the Akamba of Machakos.

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