Perceptions on Governance for Effective Adaptation to Climate Change within Community-Based Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya

Community-based wildlife conservancies (CBC) represent a broad spectrum of new management arrangements and benefit sharing partnerships in natural resource management by none state agents, but who, by virtue of their collective location and activities, are critically placed to shape the present and future status of these resources. This approach of wildlife management is increasingly gaining popularity as an option for achieving sustainable co-existence and complementarity between wildlife conservation and livestock production in the drylands of Kenya. Despite difference in ownership and governance structure in place, all conservancies have instituted new rules of control and access. This study sought to understand whether the governance system promoted inclusivity among the various social groups and secondly whether or not the model promotes enhancement of household resilience. Quantitative and Qualitative data based on household surveys, focus groups discussions and Key informants’ interviews were collected in two counties of Samburu and Isiolo and subjected to Q1Macros for descriptive analysis. The CBCs are governed by a board, supported by sub-committees. The board provide leadership and oversight and ensures transparency, adherence to the law, and equitable representation and sharing of revenue. Women representation in the boards recommended, and almost compulsory in Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) supported conservancies. Broadly, household’s social amenities as health facilities, bursaries for school going children, and access to credits have improved under CBC. Movement of livestock between conservancies in search of pastures and water during drought is managed through grazing committees but is not effective during times of prolonged droughts. Traditional system based on the value of reciprocity, is eroding with the creation of new forms of resource management where others may be excluded. Simmering mistrust amongst neighbouring pastoral communities is not in common. Reciprocity for water and pastures within and between communities and within neighbouring Counties must be factored in CBC implementation plan.