Government-Owned Ranch Ventures Into Wildlife Conservation

Partnership between conservation interests and ADC will ensure wildlife conservation, sanctuary establishment and tourism

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC), and the Kenyan Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will bring wildlife conservation and, ultimately, tourism and economic benefits to the government-owned Mutara Ranch in Kenya's Laikipia District.

This unique public/private partnership will benefit wildlife and the local community by preserving the area for wildlife migration while establishing the infrastructure needed to support successful ecotourism and cattle ranching ventures.

Under the agreement, AWF will provide the initial funding for infrastructure improvements. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a privately-owned wildlife area that borders Mutara ranch, is home to Kenya's largest black rhino population and promotes conservation and ecotourism. As part of this partnership, Ol Pejeta Conservancy will provide the equipment and personnel as well as advice on establishment of an ecotourism venture.

ADC will set aside a 12,000-acre area within Mutara for wildlife conservation and ecotourism and manage the entire ranch area in a manner that protects wildlife habitat and prevents poaching.

Speaking of the project, ADC Managing Director, Mr. William Kirwa, says "it is in the Corporation's five-year strategic plan to enter into ecotourism endeavours that is sustainable to both livestock and wildlife. As a government agency, ADC will play a key role in vision 2030 by promoting ecotourism in its ranches. This will be done in collaboration with partners and will aim at benefiting surrounding communities. The agreement between OPC, AWF and ADC is one of the Public Private Partnerships that the Corporation is going into to optimise usage of its ranches and will seek to incorporate community interests."

"This type of partnership between a government agency, a private company and a conservation organisation is one of the innovative ways AWF is working to secure the future of wildlife conservation in Africa," said Dr. Helen Gichohi, President of AWF. "The key is bringing stakeholders together to protect wildlife and generate economic benefits and opportunities for local people."

Mutara ranch comprises an area of 253 square kilometers in the midst of critical wildlife migration corridors. It has a wide diversity of game, including the big five, rare species such as Grevy's zebra, cheetah and Patas monkey. It was first established as a privately-owned ranch in 1921 and is now a government-owned cattle ranch.

According to Richard Vigne, Chief Executive Officer, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, "The entry of Mutara ranch into the Laikipia conservation arena will act to secure critical wildlife habitat whilst developing opportunities for ecotourism ventures. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya's premier wildlife sanctuaries, is proud to be associated with a project that assists government to realise the potential of wildlife as a tool for wealth creation in the semi-arid regions of Kenya."

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy occupies approximately 360 square kilometres of African savannah within the Laikipia District of Kenya and incorporates the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary. Laikipia carries large and growing wildlife populations and is home to almost 50% of Kenya's black rhino population. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism and complementary enterprise for reinvestment in conservation and community development. Visit www.olpejetaconservancy.org.

Agricultural Development Corporation is a government parastatal, established through an Act of Parliament Cap 444 of 1986 for promotion and execution of agricultural schemes, and reconstruction in Kenya by initiating, assisting or expansion of agricultural undertakings and enterprises. Vision - To be the prime mover and leader of agricultural development in Eastern Africa and beyond. Mission - To promote sustainable agricultural development and reconstruction in Kenya by initiating, assisting, and expanding agricultural undertakings/enterprises through production and supply of quality seed, livestock, technological transfers, and training in a sustainable and affordable manner. Visit www.adc.co.ke.