The program is based on a smartphone digital platform that connects farmers to each other, to promote better livestock production and husbandry, and value chains.
KWT and KWCA are collaborating on this initiative to drive a holistic solution that will educate farmers using a virtual marketplace on how to farm more sustainably and help deliver to them financial independence through fair wages so they are more resilient to adverse climate impacts, and therefore less likely to breach protective measures to protect wildlife and the land.
Livestock production is adversely affected by ecosystem degradation and faces increased competition for resources from other sectors. Additionally, increasing temperatures and intense, short bursts of heavy rainfall reduce yields of rangelands, leading to overgrazing, food insecurity, and conflict over scarce resources (including between humans and wildlife, such as big cats that KWT seeks to protect).
Ufugaji Hifadhi aims to give farmers a fair wage and a sustainable income from selling healthy livestock and livestock products. It also engages farmers in sound pasture management practices and restoring degraded landscapes in the Greater Mara Ecosystem.
