Socio-Economic, Religious and Educational Significance of Miraa (Cartha Edulis): A Case of Meru North Region, Kenya

Abstract

For a long time, there have been conflicting stand points with regard to Cartha Edulis (Miraa). On one hand Miraa is a substance that affects the psychological and physiological functioning of the human body, and therefore, falls under the category of drugs of abuse like alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and heroin among others. Studies conducted by the National Campaign against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA, 2007) and other scholars have confirmed this. The dilemma of many people, however, is that whereas there are numerous negativisms emanating from Miraa (Catha endulis) farming, trade and consumption, there are also immense social, religious and economic benefits derived and associated with the same. This study was an attempt to address the impact of Miraa on the religion-socio-economic and educational spheres of the society especially in the growing areas of Meru North.  The research was motivated by the diversity of conflicting incidences encountered by Miraa farmers and traders who also happen to be members of churches located within the study area and the alleged income purported to be derived from the trade used for social and economic developments.  The findings of the research showed that there are both positive and negative contributions brought about by Miraa farming and trade upon the families, schools and churches within Meru North region. Nonetheless, although the negatives outweigh the positives in terms of both short and long term intangible damages to individuals, family and society, there are strong social, religious and economic attachments to this product. In fact for the last few decades, the product has assumed political dimension. Exclusive focuses on negativisms only, have overshadowed the potential financial, social, educational and religious gains associated with the product. This is because apart from the economic contribution, Miraa is also alleged to have cultural, religious as well as medicinal values. These contentions strongly agree with that of Kobia, (2014), that miraa creates a contextual foundation for communication. However, the negative implications of Miraa and which greatly affect the individual user, the institution of marriage, school and church cannot be ignored.  The study concluded that, Miraa has diverse negative effects, but it could also serve a better purpose and value if handled properly since it has certain  social-cultural values especially among the community where is grown.

Keywords: Miraa, Socio-cultural, religious, economic impact, demystification