Marakwet Research Station And Citizen Scientists

The Marakwet Research Station is situated in Tot-Sibou Village in the Kerio Valley, northwest Kenya. All work is embedded in the Marakwet community.

Independently working from this research hub is a highly experienced team of Citizen Scientists who are trained in interview techniques, oral historical recording, photography and filming, GPS mapping, and translation and transcription. The Marakwet Citizen Scientist team are Timothy Kipkeu (Director) and Helena Cheptoo (Assistant Director), Nelson Bailengo, Andrew Kibet Yano, Noah Kiplagat and Joseph Kimutai.

This team work closely with the IGP on a wide range of topics, including:

• mapping of landscape features (field systems, land-tenure, irrigation features)
• issues of cropping and farming practice
• mapping of social and ceremonial landscapes recording oral histories, ceremonies and public events
• recording political events and speeches surveys of market trends arrangement of interviews and focus groups

Photo: Discussing risks and benefits with two community-based organisations focused on farming. © Marcos Moreu