African Studies 337 - Rural Component

African Studies 337 - The Rural Agricultural Field Component:

During the rural homestay, each student lives as a member of an agricultural rural family, sharing in household duties and, at the same time, gaining insight into the family's livelihood and traditions as well as the major issues family members face. The homestay begins after a weeklong intensive orientation at the St. Lawrence University Study Center in Karen. During the past fifteen years, the rural homestays have been among the Akamba, Luo, Abaluhyia, Kisii, Taita and Meru peoples. We are currently being hosted by the Kipsigis of the Roret division, Buret District in the Southern Rift. Given that almost 75% of Kenya's population lives in the rural areas, this component gives a window through which to see and start understanding much of Kenya's population and its livelihood.