The Sengwer are an indigenous hunter-gatherer community facing eviction from their home in the Embobut Forest in the Trans Nzoia district of Kenya. Despite an end to the project causing the evictions, justice has yet been seen by the Sengwer.
Category: Conservation
Conservation goes unrecognized as likely the greatest source of land alienation in the territories of indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are widely praised for their stewardship of land, water and natural resources such as forests and wildlife. The Global North seeks more forest cover for climate change mitigation and carbon emissions offset, and pristine landscapes and exotic fauna for tourism and trophy hunting. It cannot produce these in its own territories due to well-protected property rights and greatly reduced wildlife diversity. Hence undue pressure arises on the Global South to compensate with their land and natural resources and indigenous peoples tend to pay the highest price.
The Ogiek
The Ogiek are a hunter-gatherer community who have won two landmark court cases this decade to remain on their ancestral land in the Mau Forest and be recognized as indigenous rights holders.
Northern Rangeland Trust in Laikipia
In order to make way for a new national park, the Samburu have been forcefully evicted from Laikipia. The Northern Rangeland Trust is a conservation NGO that started in Kenya in 2004. Despite claiming to be a community-based organization, its large influence over the region has harmed local peoples instead. Photo Credit: Jimmy Nelson
Samburu Evictions in Laikipia
In order to make way for a new national park, the Samburu have been forcefully evicted from Laikipia. Photo Credit: Jimmy Nelson
The Endorois
The African Commission ruled in 2010 that the eviction of the Endorois is a violation of their rights. Photo credit: Minority Rights Group
Crocodile Jaw Dam
A proposed dam on the border of Laikipia and Isiolo counties puts herders at even greater risk of drought and loss of livestock. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Archer’s Post and Dol Dol
Kenyan and British Army training in Samburu. Since the end of World War Two, the Kenyan government has allowed British Military training in the region.
Baka of Gabon vs. Conservation and Development
There are many indigenous hunter-gatherer-farmer people known as Baka living in Gabon today. They face challenges to their lifestyle due to government-sponsored development and conservation efforts, as well as marginalization from other peoples. Image Credit: Gulf News
Indigenous Land Rights Efforts in Namibia
Today, indigenous groups in Namibia struggle for recognition and formal collective land rights of their respective ancestral territories. They are facing government land reform efforts in the name of development and conservation. Photo credit: Maryknoll
The Landless Twa of Rwanda
33,000 Twa (Batwa) account for less than one percent of the Rwandan population and are the most vulnerable population living there. Twa are landless and many struggle to make a living in modern society. The government only recognizes Twa as “historically marginalized.” Photo Credit: Nick Ashdown