The Kenyan government’s plan to generate clean energy interferes with Maasai lives, displacing them from their land to make way for energy stations.
Category: Infrastructure
Large-scale infrastructure projects constitute another mode of dispossession of indigenous lands, territories and water resources. These are typically state-led modernization projects of enormous cost and involve appropriation of territory in the name of ‘public interest’.
Kel Tamasheq (Tuareg) in Mali
Kel Tamasheq (Tuareg) are pastoralists living in the Sahara Desert across North Africa. They have extensive indigenous knowledge allowing them to survive in one of Earth’s most formidable climates. However, they face challenges with the Malian government, which does not recognize their indigenous rights. Photo Credit: Vientodelsur
The Turkana
The Turkana are being forced out as the Kenyan government seeks increased energy output and exploration in Turkana county. Photo credit: Russell Watkins/DFID
LAPSSET Infrastructure in Isiolo County
Isiolo County, Kenya, is vital for many of LAPSSET’s projects because it lies in the middle of the corridor stretching from South Sudan, where oil exports originate, to the ports of Kenya. Photo credit: Julia Cumes
Amazigh vs. Tamalout Dam
In the Midelt region of Morocco, the construction of the Tamalout Dam threatens to flood a nearby Amazigh village called Tizinzou. This would displace the villagers and pose other harms to the environment. Photo Credit: Nadir Bouhmouch
Amazigh vs. Noor Ouarzazate Solar Plant
In a case of green grabbing, the royal family and state of Morocco leased land for a solar plant project in Ouarzazate, in turn harming local communities by taking away pasture land. Image Credit: CNN
Himba vs. Hydroelectric Dam Proposals in Kunene Region
The OvaHimba [Himba] have held onto their traditional pastoralist lifestyle to this day despite many droughts, wars, and land grab attempts. They face new challenges as the government seeks to build dams on the Kunene River. Photo Credit: Hans Hillewaert
Indigenous Peoples vs. Gibe III Dam
The Mursi and Nyangatom are two of many pastoralist groups in the SNNPR region of Ethiopia, and surrounding area, who risk losing access to their resources, especially water, because of a series of dams being built along the Omo River. Photo credit: Salini Impregilo
Mbenga vs. Development in the Dzanga-Sangha Forest
The Mbenga people have lived in the Dzanga-Sangha Forest of the Central African Republic for centuries. However, maintaining a traditional livelihood is now a challenge due to logging, poaching, poor health, and servitude to the majority Bilo who exploit local resources. Photo Credit: The Guardian
Grand Renaissance Dam vs. Berta and Gumuz
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a large hydroelectric dam constructed by the Ethiopian government in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia, which borders Sudan. While expected to provide the country with many benefits, the dam also presents several harmful aspects, like the displacement of the indigenous people of the area, the Berta and the Gumuz.