Drought in Kenya

You may be aware that there's a serious drought in Kenya, set to likely be the worst in history.

Though it should be noted that the Maasailand is not the most harshly affected region, the drought does have an effect on the area, and the efforts by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) help cushion the effect of crises in hard times by helping support sustainable systems that will help maintain the integrity of the Maasailand for the future (read below).

With regard to the drought crisis in specific, more extensive immediate relief efforts are needed than are being mobilized at this point. Read more about it in the New York Times: " Lush Land Dries Up, Withering Kenya's Hopes".

With regard to the effect of the drought on Maasailand, Edward points out:

If you look at the map in the Times of the area affected by the drought it very definitely includes Maasailand. The drought in the Chyulu Hills region is currently the worst in the memory of any living Maasai. There are women in the community who were born in the '20's who cannot recall a drought more severe than this one.

The papers are focusing on the north because that area is true desert and therefore even more desperate. But actually the place that wildlife is being most threatened in large numbers is the Amboseli-Chyulu-Tsavo ecosystem.

One of the very interesting things emerging in MWCT's area of work is that the community is suffering less because of its partnership with MWCT. Bad times like these prove that having sources of sustainable revenue apart from cattle and goats is key to getting through such times. The revenues from tourism (though reduced) are providing a very important lifeline and the employment and services provided by the Trust are one of the few mitigating forces in the area right now. In addition, these events drive home the need for sustainable use of landscapes. Many of the senior leaders in the community have affirmed to MWCT that they now see why overgrazing is an issue they need to grapple with, because it has depleted the grass reserves that are needed in a drought.

In short, I think our runners can without hesitation answer that these circumstances are exactly why better land management and ecosystem planning is so important. Supporting this work is definitely having a direct role in softening the devastation of droughts like these.