GIS and Remote Sensing for Community-Based Rangeland Management in Amboseli, Kenya

Research Location: Amboseli, Kenya
Conservation Partners: Amboseli Ecosystem Trust

Past Student Researchers

Leah Connell, Thomas Lohman

Faculty Mentors

Dr Fernando Galeana Rodriguez, Dr Jennifer Swenson

Project Description

Amboseli’s rangelands are a working landscape where Maasai pastoral livelihoods and wildlife depend on access to pasture, water, and space to move. Drought, land subdivision, and changing land uses place pressure on these shared resources. Supporting community-led grazing management can help sustain pastoral livelihoods and the connected landscapes that wildlife need.

Since 2023, the Institute for Integrative Conservation has partnered with Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) to support implementation of the Amboseli Ecosystem Management Plan. Previous work has examined the monitoring challenges facing grazing committees—local institutions that draw on customary governance and ecological knowledge to coordinate grazing management.

In 2027, students will build on this partnership to explore how geographic information systems (GIS) and/or remote sensing can support grazing committees’ monitoring and decision-making. The specific research objective and outputs will be developed with AET to reflect community priorities. Possible activities include mapping land-use change, examining seasonal vegetation patterns using satellite imagery, or combining spatial data with community knowledge through participatory mapping.

The project aims to produce practical spatial information or monitoring resources that respond to locally identified needs. Students will gain experience connecting geospatial analysis with community-led conservation and communicating findings for practical use.

We welcome students with experience in GIS and/or remote sensing and an interest in pastoral livelihoods, conservation, and collaborative research. A willingness to listen to community partners, learn from local knowledge, and adapt technical approaches to their priorities is essential.

Selected students will need to enroll in Dr. Fernando Galeana Rodriguez’s Sustainable Livelihoods class in Spring 2027.

Skills and Prereqs

At least one student should have remote sensing and GIS skills.

Travel

Students should be prepared for long-distance international and ground travel, time in rural areas, outdoor field activities, and potentially long or variable field days while working with community and conservation partners.

Notes for Applicants

This project is a good fit for students interested in GIS, remote sensing, pastoral livelihoods, and community-led conservation. Students should bring flexibility, cultural humility, and a willingness to listen to and learn from Maasai communities and local partners. Selected students will be required to enroll in Dr. Fernando Galeana Rodriguez’s Sustainable Livelihoods course in Spring 2027.

Number of students

Two

Project ID - Format

25-005-27- CRP Year

Interested in this project?

Review the CRP application requirements and submit your application by October 25, 2026.