This paper discusses some of the reasons for decades of development failures in the pastoral area of Turkana District, Kenya. In the final analysis, the lack of local participation in development intervention, due to poor extension services, is identified as the main reason for failure. A brief description of Turkana culture and life is presented in order to map out the entry points which are suitable for development interventions.

The awi (nuclear family) and the adakar (group of families under a leader) are traditional social structures which also function as channels of communication. Some development efforts in the District have already demonstrated that these traditional channels are effective. What is needed is the commitment by extension workers to utilise these channels for active dialogue with the pastoralists.

Darlington M.O. Akabwai