Feed for times of drought

Grazing land for Maasai cattle in southern Kenya

Wide savannah, acacia trees, zebras, giraffes and lions: The typical images that people think of when they think of Kenya, and what attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the East African country every year. The Maasai as a population group belong to this landscape and live in the south of Kenya. Many know the Maasai for their red scarves and the strikingly colourful jewellery in the form of chains, bracelets and earrings. What very few people know: The land on which the wild animals live, on which lodges stand and safaris happen, traditionally belongs to the Maasai and is community property. Today, huge areas of the land are designated as nature reserves. Often, foreign investors also set up private nature reserves and build accommodation on Maasai land. Due to this development and the difficult climatic conditions, it is increasingly difficult for the Maasai to live off the land.

Background

Most Maasai still live traditionally as semi-nomadic pastoralists. The dry savanna does not permit agriculture even under the best conditions. The meat, milk and blood of their cattle provide the basis for food and income. The entire way of life of the Maasai revolves around the herds. They are extremely dependent on sufficient rainfall to grow enough grass for the animals. Today, however, every three to five years, between two and three consecutive rainy seasons will fail. The consequences of drought, overgrazing and deforestation in combination with climate change lead to progressive desertification. While 20 years ago it was still possible for cattle herders to leave the ancestral lands and move their animals as far as Tanzania or Central Kenya to graze and in search of water sources, this is no longer possible today. The reasons for this are the privatisation of land and the expansion of industrial areas. Since the Maasai families are dependent on their animals, drought and limited habitat result in serious problems. The Maasai are no longer able to feed themselves and are increasingly becoming recipients of food aid. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge about management practices and tourism.

The good deed

Grass banks will be set up on around 50,000 hectares of Maasai land to safeguard the livestock of the Maasai even in times of drought. The good deed will help to sow grass suitable for the climate in protected areas and subsequently keep the areas free of livestock. Hay will be made regularly and stored. At the same time, areas for livestock, especially dairy cows and calves, are made available if there is a lack of fodder. These grass banks will thus sustainably reduce the mortality rate of the animals. In addition, the Maasai are trained to make better use of their existing resources. The grass banks are part of a large-scale project to develop organic farming, access to water, livestock marketing, sustainable pasture management techniques and the establishment of nature reserves.