Beyond Boundaries: Kamungi Conservancy's Wildlife-Friendly 10% Fence Plan Approach

Engaging and educating community members to ensure they understood the project, its benefits, and actively supported its implementation. This involved clear communication of project goals, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of ownership among the community. Public participation was facilitated through monthly meetings in Kamungi Conservancy (KC) to create awareness on the benefits of the 10% Fence Plan, hazards, and overall project objectives. These meetings served as a platform for open dialogue, where community members could voice their concerns, ask questions, and provide input. Additionally, the meetings were designed to disseminate crucial information about the project, including how the fences would mitigate human-wildlife conflict, protect crops and livestock, and improve overall community safety. Educational sessions within these meetings focused on practical aspects of the 10% Fence Plan, such as maintenance and repair techniques, as well as broader conservation principles. This consistent engagement ensured that the community remained informed, involved, and supportive of the project's goals.

Thorough assessments were conducted to identify human-wildlife conflict (HWC) hotspots and ensure the project addressed the most critical areas. This involved gathering quantitative and qualitative data to make informed decisions about fence placement and other interventions. GIS mapping, surveys, and interviews were utilized to understand current land use patterns, wildlife corridors, and areas experiencing frequent HWC. Surveys were also conducted with households to establish threats, crop and property destruction, and the amount of harvest farmers were getting. The results of the needs assessment were submitted to the Kamungi Board, who used this information to select three final beneficiaries of the 10% Fence Plan. Their decision was then passed through a public participation community meeting, where members present endorsed the identified beneficiaries.

Electrified "porcupine fences" were installed around 10% of each of the three land plots identified to protect households, crops and property from wildlife. These fences were designed to prevent large wildlife, particularly elephants, from entering 10% protected areas, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflict. Construction began in March 2023, with three plots (totaling 10 acres) being constructed. The fence construction was completed by mid-April 2023, securing over 20 people in the three households. During construction, all casual workers were youths from the Kamungi Conservancy Community, providing an indirect benefit of income and honing skills in fence construction and maintenance. This ensured that knowledge was retained within Kamungi for future maintenance. Skilled technicians oversaw the construction and maintenance of the fences, ensuring they were built to withstand wildlife pressures. Community members were actively involved in the construction process to reduce costs and foster a sense of ownership.

The project trained farmers in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and permaculture farming practices to improve yields and sustainability. This involved practical training sessions, demonstration plots, and ongoing support to help farmers adopt and sustain new practices. Training programs were developed and delivered on CSA techniques, including soil conservation, water management, and sustainable crop choices.

Farmers were trained by experts from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), with a deep concentration on dry crop farming such as cowpeas, green grams, millet, and cassava. They were also linked to KALRO for the procurement of certified seeds for planting. The training was conducted before the onset of the long rains season, allowing farmers to apply the skills garnered just in time for planting before the rains started. County Agriculture officers attended the sessions to drum up support from the government.

Demonstration farms were established within the community to showcase best practices and allow farmers to see the benefits firsthand. Support networks and farmer groups were created for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, fostering peer learning and support. Necessary resources such as seeds, tools, and organic fertilizers were provided to help farmers implement new techniques.

Integrated land use planning strategically allocated land for agriculture, conservation, and human settlements, balancing the needs of both people and wildlife. After training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and continued sensitization on wildlife and habitat conservation during monthly community meetings facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, the integrated land use approach was on its way to being achieved. The beneficiaries of the 10% Fence Plan maximized the allocated 10% for agriculture by planting certified seeds best suited for the climatic conditions, resulting in high yields. At the same time, the remaining 90% of the land was effectively utilized by wildlife and livestock, creating the much-needed balance in Kamungi Conservancy. This approach benefited both the communities and wildlife by promoting sustainable land use that supported livelihoods and conservation efforts.

The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the project is an ongoing process within Tsavo Trust (TT), with a dedicated M&E officer responsible for conducting these activities. The M&E officer collects data on various metrics such as crop harvest yields, reduction in human-elephant conflict (HEC), and other relevant ecological, social, and economic indicators to measure the project's impact. This systematic approach enables continuous assessment of the project’s effectiveness, identification of areas for improvement, and adaptation for long-term success. Data is regularly analyzed and incorporated into future planning and implementation to ensure the project's sustainability and alignment with its objectives.