Exploring Conservation-focused Livelihood Initiatives in Southern Kenya

2025 Student Researchers

Sharanya Dutt '28, Major: Business Analytics (2025)

Skylar Hartgerink '27, Majors: History and Environmental Policy (2025)

Past Student Researchers

Sydney Hintz '26, Major: Environmental Policy; Major: Integrative Conservation (2024)

Asha Nair '27, Major: Public Policy and Environmental Science (2024)

Aggie Saitta Riggo '24, Major: Innovation for Sustainable Business (Self-Designed) (2024)

Faculty Mentors

Graham Henshaw and Dr. Troy Wiipongwii

Project Description

The Maasai women of the Amboseli Ecosystem in southern Kenya play a critical role in climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. However, in the face of frequent droughts, they face challenges in balancing conservation efforts with the livelihoods of their families. While many conservation NGOs have adopted livelihood strategies to support both conservation and entrepreneurial women in Kenya with livelihood inititatives, there is still a lack of a clear framework for how to effectively balance sustainable livelihoods with conservation impact.

In collaboration with the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust and the South Rift Association of Landowners, a team of William & Mary and Kenyan students documented lessons learned from conservation organizations regarding their women’s enterprise initiatives, viewed through the lenses of conservation, business, and women’s empowerment.

In 2024, the team interviewed several women’s collectives in the Amboseli Ecosystem to understand their goals and lessons learned from conservation-oriented businesses. The research emphasized the importance of communication between conservation organizations and women’s collectives, the significance of women’s role in decision-making, and the entrepreneurial capabilities of Maasai women.

In 2025, a team of William & Mary and Kenyan students built on this work by interviewing additional conservation organizations and women-centered businesses across Kenya to identify best practices and lessons learned in supporting women with profitable, conservation-focused enterprises.

The work helps to sustain the role of Maasai women as stewards of the ecosystem while fulfilling their broader community and personal objectives.

Project ID - Format

24-005-24 - CRP Year

24-005-25 - CRP Year