Subsistence Agriculture:
* Farming: They primarily cultivated crops like maize, beans, bananas, and sweet potatoes to feed themselves and their families.
* Livestock: Cattle, goats, and sheep were raised for milk, meat, and hides. These animals were also crucial in social and ceremonial exchanges.
Bartering:
* Trading: The Kikuyu engaged in bartering with other tribes for goods like salt, tools, and beads. They also exchanged goods for services like craftsmanship or labor.
* Exchange Rates: The value of goods was based on what was considered "fair" in the community, and negotiations were common.
Beyond Basic Needs:
* Craftsmanship: Skilled artisans like potters, weavers, and blacksmiths produced items that were traded or used in rituals.
* Hunting and Gathering: While not as central as agriculture, hunting and gathering wild fruits, honey, and animals added to their food supply.
Important Notes:
* No Formal Currency: The Kikuyu did not use a formal currency like coins or paper money. Instead, they used barter systems and the value of goods was determined by negotiation and cultural context.
* Social Systems: The Kikuyu had a complex social structure where family and clan were important for support and economic activity.
Post-Colonial Era:
* Monetary Economy: With the arrival of colonial rule, the Kikuyu were introduced to a monetary system and began to participate in a cash economy.
* Land Ownership: However, the colonial government imposed land ownership systems that displaced many Kikuyu from their traditional lands and limited their economic opportunities.
It's essential to understand that the Kikuyu did not have a single way of making money. Their economic system was based on a diverse range of activities that were integral to their social and cultural structures. The introduction of a monetary economy during the colonial era significantly impacted their way of life and continues to influence their economic situation today.