A Climate Change Reality From The Heart of Amboseli: My Conversation With Taiko

Let me share with you a conversation that unfolded today, a story that echoes the struggles of a community deeply connected to nature and impacted by climate change. Today, I had the privilege of talking with Taiko, a resilient man from the stunning landscapes of Amboseli, in the southern part of Kenya, where the borders of Kenya and Tanzania converge.

Taiko is a proud member of the Maasai community, a tribe that has thrived for generations as skilled livestock keepers. They tended cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys all of which have been more than just animals to them; they've been companions, providers of transport, and the heart of their sustenance. Imagine just for a moment a life that revolves around the nourishing meat, blood, and milk from these cherished creatures. Imagine that is all that you know and have been taught. Imagine this is your school, college, and university roadmap - this is what you are destined and meant to do to ensure your community, family and loved ones survive. This is your compass and everything you and your community value.

During a four-year period from 2018 to 2022, the Maasai community faced a protracted drought, revealing the really tangible outcomes of climate change. This arid spell led to the transformation of their once-fertile lands into barren terrain, impacting the sustenance of their domestic animals – central to their traditional way of life.

In response to these challenges, the Maasai community made a pragmatic shift from livestock-centered practices to crop cultivation. This was about survival. This transition, was a huge departure from entrenched customs, however, it was driven by the necessity to adapt and ensure survival. Community survival? Absolutely.

Throughout this transformation, weakened domestic animals were given up in exchange for basic staples like maize, beans, and rice. This was heartwrenching for them, a massive pivot. Additionally, due to the absence of refrigeration facilities, reliance on non-perishable sustenance became essential, reinforcing their vulnerability in the face of what can we eat realities!

The community's resilience and adaptation to evolving environmental conditions sheds a big light on the practical adjustments made to sustain their livelihoods. What can we learn here? What can we take away from their courage and bravery?

To address their basic community survival, the Maasai community actively sought nourishment alternatives by procuring animal feed from other sources, which included the import of hay grass. This calculated initiative effectively provided sustenance to their valued animals, reflecting a sensible adjustment to the changing situation. This is a testament to the enduring determination that resides within this community but one we all have when the human spirit is confronted by survival or not.

As humbling and confronting as my conversation was to this point, Taiko's account continued. He shared a transformational shift that resonated deeply with me. Historically, the Maasai engaged in hunting wild animals for sport, driven by circumstances and without consideration for the intricate ecological equilibrium.

Yet, a profound evolution has happened; they now stand as conscientious stewards of their environment.

By establishing conservation zones, they now actively safeguard and preserve the remarkable wildlife that shares their habitat. This is definitely a community we can learn from.

Today, as you read this and just for a moment - I want you to transport yourself into this community - imagine this story and this reality, and also reflect that is a stark reminder of climate change. I invite you to join hands with me and Taiko and his community. Let's amplify their voices, raise awareness of their struggles, and become advocates for change. In the heart of Amboseli, a resounding plea for support echoes through the winds, a plea that reaches far beyond borders and backgrounds. Let us show compassion and solidarity, demonstrating that the human spirit's capacity for empathy knows no bounds. Together, we can restore hope to the Maasai people, help them rebuild their lives, and prove that even in the face of daunting challenges, the power of unity and understanding can shine brightly.

Please reach out to me with ideas, suggestions, or support. I am not sure how or what we can do - but I do know we can make a difference. If we put our collective passion, resources, and ambitions to work! Email me at [email protected] and let's see how we can mobilise for good!

?????? #AmboseliTales #CommunityStrength #UniteForChange #InspiredByTaiko ??????