Ranchi Ya Il Ngwesi (Il Ngwesi Group Ranch)
This Maasai group ranch in the central Kenyan district of Laikipia has established an 8,645-hectare community-conserved area that balances the needs of local pastoralists with wildlife conservation and the operation of a lucrative eco-lodge. One of the pioneering and most successful of Kenya's Maasai-owned ecotourism initiatives, Il Ngwesi has served as a model for replication across the country. Its sanctuary rangers ensure a high level of security for the conserved area, which has played a key role in a network of connected wildlife protected areas and corridors in central Kenya.
In addition to the areas of freshwater management and education, ecotourism revenues have been invested in targeted health interventions. The group is a lead partner in a health campaign which offers awareness-raising, testing and counseling, for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, the campaign has targeted thirteen local group ranches for a combined population of 40,000 people.
Key Facts
Equator Prize Winner: 2002
Founded: 1995
Location: Laikipia District, Kenya
Beneficiaries: 7,000 Laikipiak Maasai pastoralists
Biodiversity: Lewa Wildlife Sanctuary
Case Study
Find other Winners' Case Studies in our E-Library
Related Multimedia Resources
Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, Kenya - Equator Prize 2002 Winner
Visit our Multimedia Center to explore our video gallery.
Equator Prize 2002
Sub-Saharan Africa
Biodiversity Conservation
Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change
Sustainable Energy
Drylands Management
Contact Information
James Kasoo
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
P.O. Box 263-10406
Timau, Kenya
254 (0)20 20 33 122,
E-mail: info@ilngwesi.com ; jamkasoo@yahoo.com
Share this page: