Sustainable Livelihoods Projects
Strengthening the Capacity of Pastoral Communities in Kenya to Protect and Conserve their Natural Resources and the Environment

Pastoral communities in Kenya face many challenges to ensuring secure access to and control of their natural resources. In partnership with the Resources Conflict Institute (RECONCILE), ELI developed and convened two workshops to build the capacity of pastoral communities in Kenya to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage their land and natural resources.

Governance in Africa

As more democracies emerge and advance in Africa, they are forced to confront the environmental impacts caused by economic and social forces. The first step in this process is designing and establishing carefully constructed laws and administrative agencies to handle the mounting pressures on natural resources. These authorities can extend from the country’s constitution to the smallest enforcement agency. But, for these efforts to have a real effect, the public must become familiar with the rules and structure and have a legitimate means of enforcing them through the courts.

Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa

Economic development and environmental preservation often are viewed as opposing interests in political decision-making. With many valuable yet fragile ecosystems, African countries are consistently confronted with the task of improving the lives of their people without jeopardizing the long-term health of the natural resources on which they rely. One effective approach to achieving this objective is building the capacity of communities and individuals to live and work in ways that more sustainably utilize their natural surroundings.

Water Issues in Africa

Many African countries are facing unprecedented challenges in finding ways to sustain water quality and ensure that growing demand for water resources can be met while preserving the integrity of their aquatic ecosystems. Water-borne and water-washed illnesses continue to be a major source of disease and mortality, particularly among African children. At the same time, access to sufficient water for domestic purposes and livelihoods continues to pose challenges for many in both rural and urban areas.

Land and Biodiversity in Africa

Africa is a continent rich with natural resources but, in many cases, lacks the infrastructure and capacity to manage and protect them. Throughout history, people have exploited Africa’s lush forests, vast mineral reserves, and unique flora and fauna. While many African countries have begun to confront this unsustainable behavior, new challenges arise as demand increases and technology improves. Humans can now clear more of the species-rich rainforests faster than ever. International trade has introduced many invasive species that now threaten Africa’s extensive and pristine wetlands.

Africa Program

Since 1999, the Environmental Law Institute has developed its Africa Program to promote environmental law, policy, and management in Africa. Partnering with African NGOs and governments, ELI assists in drafting and advancing pragmatic and effective environmental laws and policies, analyzes and identifies options to improve the implementation of existing environmental law, and builds the capacity of local institutions and citizens in Africa to carry out these tasks independently.

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