Laikipia County, Kenya

Challenges · Biodiversity · Livestock and Pasture · Resilience · Water

Landscape Profile

This profile was submitted by a landscape leader closely involved with its management. Submit a profile of your own landscape.

Laikipia County, Kenya

Approximate size (hectares)

946,200

Population

399,227

Climate

Tropical Wet & Dry

Production Systems

Livestock, Wheat

Description

The Laikipia Landscape covers the whole of Laikipia County, which is located on the Equator in central Kenya. It covers an area of 9,462 km², including a plateau bordered by the Great Rift Valley to the West, the Aberdares Mountain Range to the South and Mt. Kenya to the South-East, with the Ewaso Nyiro River and its tributaries flowing from South to North through the Landscape. The altitude varies between 1500 meters above sea level in the Ewaso Nyiro Basin in the North to 2611 meters above sea level around Marmanet Forest. The landscape is endowed with several natural resources, including pasture land, forests, wildlife, and water resources. Wildlife has become a major source of conflict between the farming and pastoralist communities; however, tourism plays a key role as a source of income within the County. Eighty-five percent of the population engages in agriculture (both crop and livestock production) which is the most important source of household income.

Voices From The Field

I am the Chairperson of the Laikipia County Natural Resource Network (LAICONAR). My involvement, in the management and transformation of conflicts associated with the environment and natural resources as well as advocacy for sustainable management and governance of natural resources, spans over a decade. Otherwise, I am a naturalist guide and a farmer who is involved directly in issues related to conflict management in water, wildlife and the future of indigenous cultures in the Laikipia landscape. Currently, I am actively promoting and advocating for pro-landscape practices, legislation and innovations.

David Wanjohi Chairperson, Laikipia County Natural Resource Network (LAICONAR)

Major Successes

1

Strengthening Partnerships

New linkages, contacts and networks have been established, which help to strengthen partnerships and collaboration both within and outside of the landscape. Groups have identified strengths among themselves and are working together as partners, which reduces duplication of effort, the cost and time of implementing projects, and both individual and institutional conflicts. For example, it was agreed that it is not necessary for all of the groups dealing with honey to individually purchase honey processing equipment.

Working Together

LAICONAR, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Laikipia County Development Authority, and more

Stakeholders work together through a variety of platforms, including the Laikipia County Natural Resource Network (LAICONAR), Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Laikipia County Development Authority, and others. They also work together through participation in many programs and planning exercises, like the Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) and the Laikipia County Integrated Development Plan.

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