Transforming lives, landscapes in Loitokitok: Integrated conservation

Posted on 2 January 2025

In the heart of the Southern Kenya-Northern Tanzania Landscape, the Loitokitok Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Programme is unlocking the potential of Nature-Based Solutions through collaboration.

Launched on 3 December 2024 at the Entarara Primary School by Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe–Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASAL and Regional Development, the initiative captures the spirit of a Memorandum of Collaboration between WWF-Kenya and regional authorities: Ewaso Ngiro South River Basin Development Authority (ENSDA), Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), and Coastal Development Authority (CDA).

The goal of the programme which is being implemented with support from the Kajiado County Government, Water Resources Authority and Kajiado South Constituency Development Fund, is to integrate value addition, technology transfer, and market linkages to enable people to fully benefit from end-to-end value chains that create tangible economic opportunities, put money in their pockets, and foster sustainable livelihoods and conservation impact.

To kick off the programme: 16 women groups were provided with high-yielding, resilient dairy and beef livestock, 10 women groups from around Amboseli National Park were supplied with beads and beading accessories, fully kitted catering and eco-tourism support supplies were handed over to the Loitokitok Community Forest Association, and a modern 100-beehive apiary was established with beekeeping equipment provided to the Entarara Community Forest Association.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the Large-scale Forest Landscape Restoration in Africa (AREECA) Programme, and by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

By Faith Tanui, Communications Officer

To kick off the Loitokitok Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Programme, 16 women groups were provided with high-yielding, resilient dairy and beef livestock, 10 women groups from around Amboseli National Park were supplied with beads and beading accessories, fully kitted catering and eco-tourism support supplies were handed over to the Loitokitok Community Forest Association, and a modern 100-beehive apiary was established with beekeeping equipment provided to the Entarara Community Forest Association.