In Kenya, the image of vast savannas teeming with wildlife is iconic. Tourists flock from around the world to witness the majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and elusive big cats roaming freely across the plains. Behind this picture-perfect façade lies a complex reality, one where the benefits of wildlife conservancies are not equally distributed among the population. While these conservancies often bring prosperity to older men, they frequently leave women and young people economically marginalized.
Over the past few decades, Kenya has seen a surge in the establishment of wildlife conservancies. These areas, managed by local communities or private entities, aim to protect biodiversity, promote ecotourism, and provide alternative livelihoods for rural residents. In theory, conservancies offer a promising model for conservation and sustainable development, but the reality on the ground tells a different story, particularly regarding gender and generational dynamics.
Older men in these communities often hold positions of power and influence, enabling them to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by conservancies. They typically dominate decision-making bodies and management structures, controlling access to resources and reaping the lion’s share of benefits. As a result, they accrue wealth and status, consolidating their positions within local hierarchies.
Conversely, women and young people face significant barriers to meaningful participation and economic empowerment within conservancies. Traditional gender roles, coupled with entrenched patriarchal norms, relegate women to subordinate positions, limiting their ability to assert themselves in decision-making processes or access resources such as land and credit. Moreover, the lack of targeted support and opportunities for youth exacerbates their exclusion, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.
One of the main sources of income in wildlife conservancies is tourism, which often fails to trickle down to the most vulnerable community members. While older men may secure employment as guides, rangers, or managers, women are more likely to be confined to low-skilled, poorly paid positions, such as cleaning staff or kitchen helpers in tourist lodges. Similarly, young people find themselves sidelined, with limited avenues for education, training, or employment within the conservation sector.
Land ownership also plays a critical role in shaping the distribution of benefits from wildlife conservancies. In many cases, land is registered in the names of male household heads, excluding women from land rights and depriving them of opportunities to engage in conservation-related activities or benefit from land leases and revenue-sharing schemes. This lack of land tenure security further undermines women’s economic autonomy and perpetuates their dependence on male relatives.
Addressing the gender and generational disparities in wildlife conservancies requires a multifaceted approach that tackles structural inequalities and promotes inclusivity. Firstly, there is a need for targeted policies and programs that empower women and youth, including initiatives aimed at enhancing their access to education, training, and economic opportunities within the conservation sector. This could involve providing scholarships for young people interested in pursuing careers in conservation, as well as offering training programs in ecotourism and sustainable natural resource management for women.
Furthermore, efforts to promote gender equity must go beyond mere tokenism and address the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization. This may involve implementing quotas for women’s representation in decision-making bodies within conservancies, as well as sensitizing communities about the importance of women’s participation in conservation efforts. Additionally, legal reforms to ensure women’s land rights and property ownership are crucial for enhancing their economic agency and fostering more equitable distribution of benefits.
Engaging men as allies in promoting gender equality is also essential for creating lasting change. By challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for women’s rights, men can contribute to creating more inclusive and just conservation initiatives that benefit entire communities.
While Kenya’s wildlife conservancies hold immense potential for conservation and sustainable development, they must address the entrenched gender and generational disparities that undermine their effectiveness and perpetuate social injustices. By prioritizing inclusivity, equity, and empowerment, conservancies can become true engines of positive change, benefiting all members of society and ensuring the long-term viability of Kenya’s rich natural heritage.
About The Author
