Economic activities of the Cushites in the pre-colonial period

reasons for migration and settlement of the Cushites into Kenya in the pre-colonial period.

• Family feuds (internal rivalry) back in their original homeland.
• Population increase or pressure in their area of origin.
• Search for better pastures for their livestock.
• Outbreak of diseases in their area of origin, which affected people and livestock.

• Famine and drought in their original home area.
• Hostility and attacks by the neighbouring communities, such as the Somali.
• The spirit of adventure, especially the Eastern Cushites.
• Heavy taxation by the rulers of the areas they originally lived in, especially Menelik ii).

The following are the economic activities of the Cushites in the pre-colonial period.

• Pastoralism, characterised by keeping of camels, cattle, sheep and goats, which provided them with milk and meat and gave them prestige.
• Trade, mainly with their Bantu neighbours such as the Mijikenda and Pokomo.
• Fishing, particularly by Cushites living along the coast and near river Tana.

• Agriculture, also practised by those living near river Tana. Grains, peas, beans, pepper and other crops were cultivated.
• Hunting. Wild animals were hunted for meat, ivory, hides and skins.