GEF 8: Advancing Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Effectiveness in Kenya through an Integrated Approach

Project background

The project seeks to address escalating human–wildlife conflict in Kenya's critical biodiversity hotspots — Laikipia, Meru and Taita Taveta — where over 65% of the country's wildlife coexists with rapidly growing human populations. By integrating advanced surveillance technologies, capacity building and community-led conservation, the project offers a scalable model to foster biodiversity conservation as well as coexistence between wildlife and people. It will strengthen institutional coordination, enhance zoonotic disease monitoring, and promote nature-based livelihoods to reduce conflict pressures.

Project objective

To mitigate biodiversity loss driven by human–wildlife conflict through strengthening institutional capacities and fostering effective coordination and knowledge exchange.

Project components

• Component 1: Strengthening institutional capacity for integrated human–wildlife conflict management.
• Component 2: Enhancing the surveillance and monitoring of zoonotic and animal diseases.
• Component 3: Empowering community-led conservation efforts to address HWC and improve livelihoods.
• Component 4: Capacity building and strengthening coordination, learning and knowledge sharing.
• Component 5: Establishing and implementing a robust project monitoring and evaluation system.

Beneficiaries

Local communities — including pastoralists, smallholder farmers, women and youth groups, community scouts, and elders within and adjacent to project sites.