Burdened by Rites, Anchored in Strength: A Qualitative Exploration of Widowhood Practices and Their Implications for Food Security Among Bukusu and Maasai Women in Kenya

• Author(s): Margaret Owendi Indimuli ; Zacharia W. Samita ; Shem N. Mwalw’A
• Paper ID: 1710137
• Page: 484-500
• Published Date: 20-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

Abstract

Widowhood is a universal life event that is deeply shaped by socio-cultural contexts that redefine women’s status, rights, and resource access after the loss of a spouse. This research paper presents the qualitative findings that are part of an embedded mixed methods study that explored how widowhood practices affect food security among widows in Webuye West and Kajiado West Sub counties of Bungoma and Kajiado Counties in Kenya respectively. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study engaged 35 widows (20 Bukusu and 15 Maasai) through in-depth interviews (IDIs), and supported by four focus group discussions (FGDs). Findings indicate that widowhood practices such as cleansing rituals, inheritance expectations, land denial, and social isolation severely constrain autonomy and access to food by widows. Nevertheless, widows demonstrated resilience by leveraging informal support, spiritual faith and adaptive strategies. Grounded in African Feminist Theory and informed by Symbolic Interactionism, Social Systems and Empowerment theories, the analysis highlights the complex interaction between cultural norms and women’s agency. The research calls for culturally sensitive, rights-based policies to enable widows and improve food security while respecting cultural identities in Kenya.

Keywords

Widowhood, Widowhood practices, Food security, Bukusu, Maasai.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Margaret Owendi Indimuli , Zacharia W. Samita , Shem N. Mwalw’A "Burdened by Rites, Anchored in Strength: A Qualitative Exploration of Widowhood Practices and Their Implications for Food Security Among Bukusu and Maasai Women in Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 484-500

IEEE:
Margaret Owendi Indimuli , Zacharia W. Samita , Shem N. Mwalw’A "Burdened by Rites, Anchored in Strength: A Qualitative Exploration of Widowhood Practices and Their Implications for Food Security Among Bukusu and Maasai Women in Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)