Cottage Industries in Embu Ancient Mbeere Terraces: A Greying Tradition The matter of the origin of the Embu people as whole excites no great interest, and among many of their beliefs Ngai (or God) created the Aembu (or a man, their common ancestor, Muembu) when he created the rest of mankind; or that the man Muembu and his close kinsmen migrated into Embu country from the Meru area. What is of great interest is that they arrived at a healthful country. Nearly all land in Embu lies on the rich red loams derived from lavas and tuffs of the foothills of Mount Kenya, and they have been very proud of the fertility of their land compared to that of some of their neighbours. Since their settlement here, they farmed a variety of crops, at the time of colonial arrival maize, beans, cassava and sweet potatoes. Although the fields in the valleys remained unused for millenia, the pressures on land compelled local methods to inch more space. In the Mbeere area, north of the River Tana, the natives earnestly maintained a tradition of fabricating extensive stone terraces, which were extant before the arrival of Europeans to this region, and the remains of these can still be seen. This innovation, in order to control soil erosion, mainly involving terracing and building of live wash stops, was done on every piece of land claimed by an individual. During the colonial period, the Agriculture Land Development persisted the culture of terracing, albeit with an iron fist. Compulsory terracing was done three mornings a week consuming lots of time that was initially used in agricultural production. To ensure that the terracing program was a success, the Colonial Government enticed the natives of Embu North towards terracing. Cottage industries play a vital role in Kenya's economy, particularly in rural areas where they provide employment and preserve traditional skills. These small-scale, home-based enterprises are diverse and contribute significantly to local economies. Cottage industries In Kenya are diverse and integral to the cultural and economic fabric. For the travellers, these offer colourful and friendly markets. Index of Cottage Industries in Kenya Embu County - Ancient Mbeere Terraces , Kakamega County - Ilesi Pottery Centre , Rosterman Mines , Kisii County - Tabaka Soapstone , Kwale County - Lima Self Help Group, Lamu County - Matondoni Boat Workshop , Manda Coral Mining , Machakos County - The Masaku Flea & Curio Market , Wamunyu Handicraft Society , Makueni County - Makueni Fruit Plant , Makindu Handicrafts , Migori County - Macalder Mines , Mombasa County - Fort Jesus Curio , The Bombolulu Workshop, Akamba Handicraft Society , Nairobi County - Masai Market, Utamaduni Craft Centre, Narok County - Kikoy Market, Vihiga County - Kichutu Gold Mine , Givavei Artisans , Obida Ombima Mill , Wajir County - Wajir Livestock Market , West Pokot County - Alale Gold Mines Situated at the base of Mount Kenya, Embu County offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure activities, making it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience in the central highland of Kenya. Engage with the Aembu and Mbeere people, who inhabit the region, and learn about their traditional way of life, like farming practices, music, and dance. You Are Here: Ancient Mbeere Terraces Where to Next? Explore Destinations Near Ancient Mbeere Terraces A Guide to Embu County A Summa Digest of Embu About Embu Way Back When 32 Destinations in Embu County , arranged as one would visit these - south, west, east then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart: Mwea Rice Plains , Ndaraca ya Ngai , Embu Art Centre , Izaak Walton Inn , Iveche Falls , Karunina Falls , Njukiri Forest , Camp Ndunda Falls , Mount Kenya Riverside Retreat , Embu Golf Range , Murinduko Hill Forest , Karue Hill , Kirimiri Forest , Nthenge Njeru Falls , Nthungu Falls , Nthenge Njeru Hiking Trail , Irangi Forest Station , Mzima Fishing Camp , Kaagari-Gaturi Irrigation , Thuci River Lodge , Mbeere Terraces , Kiang’ombe Forest , Mumoni Hill , Kianjiru Hill , Mwea National Reserve , Kamburu Dam , Riakanau Beach, Masinga Dam , Masinga Dam Resort , Gitaru Dam , Kindaruma Dam , Kiambere Dam Know More About Embu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments What's The Lay Of The Land In C.14? Embu is exemplified by its sharply defined uplands, lowland and slopes from the north, northwest towards the east and southeast, with a few isolated hills such as Kiambere and Kiang’ombe. What's The Air Like In Embu? Embu has a typical highland profile, on the windward side of Mount Kenya, with cold and wet upper zones to hot and dry lower zones in Tana River Basin. Temperatures range betwixt 20 o  and 30 o C. Know More About Embu County…

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