Healthy and functional semi-arid landscapes—Co-design knowledge and engagement

The Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) spotted in the Mukutan Conservancy and Mshipi area, 2025, Kenya
The Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) spotted in the Mukutan Conservancy and Mshipi area, 2025, Kenya / Foto: Nicole Fahrni

Healthy and functional semi-arid landscapes—Co-design knowledge and engagement

  • Unser Ziel

    This project supports resilient, productive rangelands in northern Kenya by strengthening local institutions, restoring ecological functions, and empowering communities to adapt sustainably.

  • Zahlen

    Das Projekt wurde am 17. März 2022 gestartet und is currently in progress.

Zusammenfassung

Across northern Kenya, young pastoralists who traditionally herd livestock are now leading land restoration efforts by digging thousands of semi-circular bunds to revive exhausted grazing lands. Working with local coalitions and county governments, they are helping secure six wildlife and livestock corridors while documenting vital water points and pasture areas to guide future plans.

These efforts are backed by eco-enterprise activities that create new income streams without degrading the land. Women and youth groups help develop business models that protect resources while supporting local livelihoods, from sustainable harvesting to native seed banks. Combined with traditional knowledge and scientific research, these actions build fairer, more productive rangelands where people and wildlife can thrive together.

The hope is that restored soil, healthy vegetation, and thriving communities will support both local prosperity and biodiversity for future generations.

Projektverbindungen

  • Teil des Themas

    Human well-being that supports nature

    Human well-being that supports nature
  • Teil des Themas

    Stewardship

    Stewardship
  • Teil des Solutionscape

    Enabling the co-existence of pastoralism and wildlife in semi-arid rangelands in an insecure climate

Zeitleiste

  • When communities are empowered rangelands restoration progress is faster—and the knowledge stays

    Projektupdate 16. Dezember 2025

     For effectiveness of assessment activities, livestock keepers, youth, women groups members, and community scouts were trained to monitor the bunds in various ways.
  • Regional context of the Semi Arid's landscapes in Northern Kenya

    Projektupdate 2. Juni 2024

    Nothern Kenya's SemiArid Landscapes

Team

  • Projektkontakt

    Sheila Funnell
    Head of Innovation and Impact

    Sheila Funnell, Head of Innovation and Impact, Wyss Academy for Nature
    Projektkontakt