Leverage Diversity to Achieve Greater Success.

Kajiado County is in the southern part of Kenya and is home to the Maasai people, one of the most iconic pastoralist communities in Africa.

For centuries, the Maasai people have maintained a unique way of life that is closely tied to their environment. They are traditionally nomadic people, moving their herds of cattle, sheep, and goats from one grazing area to another in search of pasture and water. This has allowed them to live in harmony with the environment and to develop a deep understanding of the natural world.

However, in recent years, the Maasai community in Kajiado County has been facing unprecedented challenges because of climate change. The region has experienced prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and other extreme weather events that have had a devastating impact on the Maasai people and their way of life.

As a result of these challenges, the Maasai community has been forced to adapt to a changing environment, often at great cost.

• When water scarcity hits due to climate change, it is the girls and women who bear the pain of walking long distances to collect water. This takes time away from their education and other activities. It also exposes them to dangerous situations such as sexual harassment or attacks.
• When food insecurity hits due to a decrease in pasture and water and livestock die due to malnourishment, girls and women are the first to be affected. Girls are dropped out of school to take care of their siblings while boys go into the far land to search for pasture.
• When children drop out of school because of biting hunger, the safety of girls is at risk. Schools usually provide safe spaces for girls. The girls become exposed to harmful cultural practices such as early marriages and FGM to replenish the diminishing resources. Top of Form
• When access to clean water and sanitation facilities is limited, it is the health of girls and women that is affected especially during menstruation. Girls and women are forced to use unhygienic methods during their periods, which can lead to infections and other health problems.

The solution to these challenges that are facing the community requires a multifaceted approach bringing together different stakeholders and partners. Mother Teresa once said, ‘I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot: together we can do great things.

In the picturesque landscapes of Kajiado County, a harmonious partnership is flourishing between two visionary organizations: the Kajiado County Natural Resources Network (KCNRN) and Nice Place Foundation. Despite their distinct missions, these organizations converge in their shared commitment to the environment and community.

Kajiado County Natural Resources Network (KCNRN) stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, advocating for the preservation of water, forests, soil, and local biodiversity. Simultaneously, the Nice Place Foundation is dedicated to empowering girls with education and skills to ensure their dignified lives. What bridges these two organizations is the recognition of the interplay between environmental well-being and personal empowerment.

Nice Place Foundation is building a team of grassroots leaders and change makers who will be able to lead and advocate for change with the aim of ensuring that girls get access to the education they deserve to live a dignified life. The girls are trained in leadership, advocacy, personal development, computer coding and wildlife and environment conservation.

Understanding how the environment plays a role as a source of income to families in the region and how climate change has affected families and mostly girls, the girls at Nice Place Foundation are adopting among other projects banning single-use plastics in institutions, adopting kitchen garden farming and planting of drought resistant grass. This endeavor not only highlights the resilience of the girls themselves but also demonstrates their commitment to addressing the environmental challenges their community faces.

By leading the charge in planting grass that can endure water scarcity, the girls are contributing directly to KCNRN's objectives. The drought-resistant grass serves as a natural barrier against soil erosion, aids in water retention, and supports local biodiversity. Most importantly, the grass provides pasture for the livestock which is the main source of income. As these girls put their skills into practice, they are essentially becoming stewards of their environment, actively participating in its preservation and conservation.

The girls' impact extends beyond the act of planting grass. Armed with their leadership and advocacy training, they can create a ripple effect within the community. With passion and conviction, these girls are not merely planting grass; they are planting seeds of awareness and change.

As advocates for sustainable practices, the girls have the power to influence policy and community behavior. Their ability to articulate the importance of drought-resistant grass and its benefits can lead to widespread adoption, aligning perfectly with KCNRN's mission of advocating for environment-friendly solutions. The girls' advocacy journey exemplifies the profound interconnection between education, empowerment, and environmental conservation.

The collaborative partnership between Kajiado County Natural Resources Network and Nice Place Foundation is a testament to the transformative potential that emerges when organizations with different focuses converge for a common purpose. We need to build more partnerships and collaborations, harmonize our strengths and leverage our resources to ensure that we have a unified force toward making the world a better place for everyone.

@KajiadoNaturalResourceNetwork CHD Conservation Kenya Nice Nailantei Leng'ete