Bring Back the Herder Conservationist

In northern Kenya, conservancies are regarded in conventional development circles as a panacea to poaching, human–wildlife conflict and land degradation. In his article “Bring back the herder conservationist” (June 2021), published in the citizens’ e-platform The Elephant, Hussein Wario Tadicha of the Centre for Research and Development in the Drylands (CRDD) reveals how the nearly complete…

Optimism as WRUA Institutional Development Pilots Gain Momentum

The WRUA Institutional Development Project Implementing Committee have confirmed that efforts to strengthen the role and finances of WRUAs is on track.  These  results were  highlighted during the performance review and feedback meeting convened by the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership, which leads the  implementer of the WID project. The 9-member team met on May…

Ol Pejeta Progress and Plea – Can You Help?

OPC is recognized for pioneering work in embryo transplantation in support of Northern White Rhinos conservation. This pioneering work with BioRescue has made people again optimistic about preventing extinction and perpetuating the diversity among species. See article here: https://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/press-release-biorescue-creates-four-new-embryos/ Ol Pej, or OPC, is one of our most famous conservancies in Kenya. It is certainly one…

Laikipia Profile Update

Dr. Tom Butynski and Yvonne de Jong have recently updated a profile for Laikipia’s geography, environment and biodiversity. This document is a helpful summary of these aspects for the County. If you find errors in the above document, or have facts concerning Laikipia County’s geography, environment, or biodiversity that you believe can be usefully added…

The Laikipia County Wildlife and Community Wildlife Conservancies Bill : A Local Step Towards Sustainable Management and Conservation

On 7th May 2021, stakeholders convened in Dol Dol for a review of the Laikipia County and Community Wildlife Conservancies Bill. Among the stakeholders present include: the Laikipia Forum, the Laikipia Tourism Association, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) and the Laikipia Conservancies Association. The meeting was organized by the County’s Ministry of…

Water Pan Benefits

With climate change and climate variability comes fluctuating rainfall and extreme temperatures. Growing seasons are changing. These shifts severely impact lives and livelihoods. Water security starts with water availability. There must be enough water to satisfy diverse-and sometimes conflicting- needs. When households have water, their ability to improve sanitation and hygiene is enhanced. The COVID…