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An Analysis of Revenue & Wealth Distribution Within Group and Community Conservancies in Kenya
Research Location:
Kenya
Conservation Partner:
Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA)
Faculty Mentors
Dr. Fernando Galeana-Rodriguez and Dr. Richard Boakye2026 Student Researchers
Justin Feira '27, Majors: Economics and Data Science
Maeve Harclerode '28, Major: Integrative Conservation
Project Description
Kenya’s 200+ community conservancies, covering 18% of the country, are locally managed to protect natural resources and deliver benefits to local communities. In 2026, William & Mary students will partner with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association to research how revenues from conservation are distributed within these communities, assessing their impact on equity, poverty reduction, and local resilience.
The Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) is the national body supporting these conservancies to derive social, environmental, and economic value from sustainable land use. KWCA is collaborating with conservancies to co-design research that measures their impact and raises global awareness of their significance.
In 2026, William & Mary students will partner with KWCA on a research project examining the economic outcomes of community-led conservancies with over 100 members. The study will investigate how revenue from ecotourism, conservation partnerships, and land-use leases is distributed at the community level, and whether it promotes equity, poverty reduction, and household resilience.
Using mixed methods, including surveys, income tracking, interviews, and financial analysis, the research will assess income distribution, governance, and reinvestment in communal services like education and health. It will also explore how governance affects revenue management and decision-making.
The findings will inform discussions on sustainable development, communal land use, and rural economies, while offering practical insights for conservation policy and land governance. The project also fosters cross-cultural collaboration between U.S. students and Kenyan conservancies.