A Framework for Community Monitoring of Rangeland Productivity in Amboseli, Kenya

Faculty Mentors

Erica Garroutte and Dr. Fernando Galeana-Rodriguez

Student Researchers

Leah Connell '27, Majors: Biology and Data Science
Thomas Lohmann '28, Major: Undeclared

Project Description

W&M students worked with Amboseli Ecosystem Trust to explore how Maasai communities are adapting rangeland monitoring and collective management in the face of climate and land subdivision changes to the environment. 

Maasai pastoralists have long been regarded as stewards of Kenya’s rangeland pastures and biodiversity, yet their practices are increasingly affected by climate change,  land subdivision and agricultural development, resulting in human-wildlife conflict and strained water resources and rangeland ecosystem processes in the Amboseli region. These changes in rangeland productivity and quality have prompted Maasai pastoralists to diversify their livelihoods and adapt their herding practices to build resilience to these challenges.

Maasai pastoralists have longheld knowledge and expertise in managing dynamic rangeland resources, but there rangeland management strategies are shifting in the face of unprescendented environmental change. Community science presents an opportunity to support landscape-scale monitoring of rangelands, enabling Maasai pastoralists and researchers in Amboseli to collaborate on tracking and adapting to changes. In partnership with the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust, W&M students explored how Maasai pastoralists are adapting their rangeland management practices at a landscape scale to adapt to climate and land conversion. This research aims to demonstrate how community-led rangeland management can provide resilience for rangelands and pastoralist community livelihoods in a changing landscape. 

Project ID - Format

25-005-25 - CRP Year