The Iraqw people

The Iraqw people are a Cushitic ethnic group residing in northern Tanzania, predominantly in the regions of Arusha and Manyara. They are concentrated in the Karatu District of the Arusha Region and in the Mbulu, Babati, and Hanang districts of the Manyara Region. Their history and culture reflect a rich heritage rooted in agriculture and animal husbandry.

The origins of the Iraqw are traced back to the southwestern Arusha and Manyara regions, near the Rift Valley. They are considered remnants of Afro-Asiatic peoples who established the Stone Bowl cultural complex, a series of societies known for their agricultural and pastoral practices in the Great Lakes region. This ancient lineage is intertwined with migrations and interactions with other ethnic groups, including Nilotic and Bantu peoples.

In Kenya’s Kerio Valley, the Iraqw’s ancestors are believed to have contributed to the development of sophisticated irrigation systems, remnants of which are maintained by the Marakwet subgroup of the Nandi Kalenjin Nilotes. The Marakwet attribute these structures to the Sirikwa, a mysterious northern people who were later decimated by pestilence. This historical connection underscores the Iraqw’s long-standing expertise in agricultural engineering.

One of the most significant historical sites associated with the Iraqw is Engaruka in the Monduli District of the Arusha Region. The Engaruka complex, with its intricate network of stone-walled canals, dams, and furrows, showcases the Iraqw’s advanced agricultural practices. These structures mirror the intensive farming techniques still employed by the modern Iraqw. Their oral traditions recount a migration to their current settlements about two to three centuries ago, driven by conflicts with the Barbaig subgroup of the Datog Nilotes.

The Iraqw’s migration to their present locations coincided with significant environmental changes, such as the reduced flow of the Engaruka River and other streams from the Ngorongoro highlands. These changes impacted the region’s irrigation practices. The Maasai, who currently inhabit Engaruka, acknowledge that the Iraqw were present when their ancestors arrived in the 18th century.

Today, the Iraqw continue to maintain their unique cultural identity through their language, traditions, and agricultural practices. Their history is a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of changing environmental and social landscapes.