The long-term conservation of wildlife in Kenya’s northern rangelands is inextricably linked to the fate of the local pastoralist communities. Yet these communities are politically and economically marginalized, and opportunities for economic growth have been hindered by insecurity and by longstanding ethnic rivalries in the region.  

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a non-profit organisation, has historically acted as a catalyst for the establishment of community conservation initiatives in northern Kenya.In 2004, individuals from Lewa teamed with government, private and community conservation initiatives to develop the Northern Rangelands Trust. This umbrella organization is a home-grown institution aimed at addressing home-grown problems and creating long-lasting local solutions. It connects these different interest groups with a goal of collectively developing strong community-led institutions as a foundation for investment in community development and wildlife conservation.

The Northern Rangelands Trust has an expanding membership of Community Conservancies and encompasses 1.5 million acres. It provides these communities with a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences, and is a technical, advisory and implementing organisation for its members.

Specific objectives of the Northern Rangelands Trust are:

• Ensure the conservation, management and sustainable use of the natural resources within the Trust Area;
• Promote and develop tourism and all other environmentally sustainable income-generating projects within the Trust Area;
• Promote culture, education and sports of the residents of the Trust Area;
• Promote better health of the residents of the Trust Area through the provision of better health services and facilities;
• Alleviate poverty of the inhabitants of the Trust Area through improved social services, provision of employment and establishment of community-based enterprises;
• Promote and support trusts, corporations, NGOs and other charitable organisations with similar objects to those of the Trust.

Key Conservation Activities:

• Establishment of core conservation areas designated as livestock-free (these core areas provide a refuge for wildlife, especially during the dry season when competition with domestic livestock for key resources intensifies)
• Establishment of grass management committees led by respected elders within the community
• Training of community scouts in ecosystem monitoring techniques to inform community decision-making
• Establishment of grass planting initiatives
• Northern Rangelands Trust livestock programme
• Reinforcement of the link between community development and conservation objectives