Grassland restoration in Kenya can enhance security for farmers and reduce conflicts with wildlife. As rangelands degrade, wildlife encroachment increases, causing tensions. The study highlights integrating restoration into environmental strategies with dedicated funding to address human-wildlife conflicts and consider gender-specific issues, ultimately improving community and ecological health.
A recent study highlights the positive impact of grassland restoration in Kenya, emphasizing its importance for enhancing security among farmers, diminishing conflicts, and reducing retaliatory actions against wildlife. Grasslands provide 60% of livestock fodder and support 70% of wildlife, making their health essential for the ecosystem. Degraded rangelands have led to increased wildlife incursions into agricultural areas, fostering conflicts; hence, improved rangelands can alleviate these tensions.
The researchers advocate for integrating grassland restoration into national and international environmental strategies, emphasizing funding and resources dedicated to this initiative in Kenya. They propose policies that account for human-wildlife conflicts while addressing gender-specific challenges encountered by men and women in these regions. Effective restoration practices, such as tree planting and rotational grazing, are being used in areas like Chyulu Hills to combat overgrazing and soil erosion.
Restoration initiatives may also boost farmers’ livelihoods by enhancing water and pasture availability during dry seasons. As climate change further strains grassland ecosystems, competition between humans and wildlife for dwindling resources increases, contributing to conflict. By restoring grasslands, researchers believe that both human security and peace can be improved.
The study indicates a correlation between local grassland restoration efforts and reduced human-wildlife conflicts, as well as improved community relations. Camila Donatti, the study’s lead researcher, noted the importance of recognizing nature’s role in climate change adaptation, particularly as it pertains to enhancing security and peace.
Monitoring efforts included surveying over 1,500 households between September 2022 and October 2023. Most households faced some form of human-wildlife conflict, with higher instances reported among women-led households. The analysis revealed that while social conflicts decreased, the decline in human-wildlife conflicts was not evident over the same period.
Ernest Lenkoina from Big Life Kenya remarked that resource scarcity significantly drives human-wildlife conflict, as degraded rangelands force wildlife to seek food in agricultural lands. Thus, restoring rangelands reduces competition, mitigating conflicts between humans and animals. The researchers underscored the critical role of sustainable grassland management for both conservation and community livelihood.
The study advocates for sustained support for grassland conservation, particularly for Maasai communities, to nurture harmonious relations between humans and wildlife. Co-author Maureen Mwanzia emphasized the need for dedicated funding and gender-sensitive policies that address unique challenges in grassland areas, thereby enhancing the impact of conservation efforts. This research demonstrates how grassland restoration can provide ecological, economic, and social benefits, ultimately fostering a secure and peaceful community environment.
The study underscores the significant benefits of grassland restoration in Kenya, demonstrating its potential to enhance farmer security and reduce conflicts with wildlife. By integrating such restoration efforts into regional and international strategies, alongside gender-sensitive policy frameworks, a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife can be achieved. This research emphasizes not only the environmental necessity of grasslands but also their crucial role in ensuring community peace and security.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
