By Liz Anyango
Kajiado County, Kenya: For generations, the Maasai people of Kenya have been closely associated with large herds of cattle, which symbolize wealth and pride. Traditionally, however, this wealth was exclusively in the hands of men, leaving women to toil without ownership or recognition. But in the picturesque town of Oloitoktok, nestled near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, women are rewriting history—taking ownership of livestock and restoring their land, all while transforming lives as they rise to addressing the challenges of climate change.
During my recent visit to Oloitokitok in December 2024, the remarkable transformation since my last trip in July was striking, showcasing the community’s resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges.
The landscape, now lush with greenery, seemed to reflect a newfound hope and renewal. Phanice Nadupoi, a proud member of the Rehema Women Group—one of the key women’s welfare organizations in the area—greeted me with confidence, eager to showcase the remarkable changes to her homestead.
As we walked toward her home, which had transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, Phanice shared an intriguing story. Like most Maasai women, she had grown up in a culture that restricted women from owning livestock. She recounted an age-old tale that cemented this tradition.
“Long ago,” Phanice began, “both men and women owned livestock. One day, the women took the animals for grazing, but instead of keeping watch, they began gossiping—what we call ‘Kula Lomon’ in our culture. When they returned to the fields, the livestock had vanished into the wild. The cows turned into elephants, the goats into antelopes, and the sheep into warthogs. They had to return home without their animals and plead for forgiveness. From then on, women were banned from owning cattle.”
This tale may have been symbolic, but its impact was real. Livestock, a key symbol of wealth in Maasai culture, became the domain of men. For years, this imbalance persisted, leaving women marginalized and dependent.
A Crisis Unfolds
Traditionally, the Maasai allowed cattle to roam freely, grazing on open fields as nature intended.
This way of life worked for many years, but as populations grew and the environment began to change, the land could no longer support the large herds. The open grazing system started to fail.
By early 2024, Oloitoktok was grappling with a dire crisis. Erratic rains and prolonged droughts, driven by climate change, had turned once-fertile grasslands into barren stretches. Overgrazing, deforestation, and depleted soils compounded the challenges. Cattle—central to the Maasai way of life—were dying, leaving families without income or nourishment.
“We didn’t think about planting grass or taking care of the land,” Phanice admitted. “We just let the cows roam freely. But now, the land is tired, and it can’t support big herds anymore.”
For families like hers, the traditional open grazing system was no longer sustainable. Hunger became a harsh reality, and women bore the brunt of the struggle, as they worked tirelessly to feed their children with dwindling resources.
A Cow That Changed Everything
Phanice’s fortunes turned when she joined a program under the Loitoktok Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Program (LICLP). Through her women’s group, Rehema Women Group, she received a Sahiwal-Friesian cow—a hardy, high-yield breed tailored for harsh climates.
“This cow is amazing,” she beamed. “It gives up to 30 liters of milk every day, compared to the two liters we used to get from our old cows. And it doesn’t need much land to graze. I’ve learned to grow grass and keep the cow in a small zero-grazing space. Now, I can feed my family and sell extra milk to the local dairy for 45 shillings per liter.”
The Sahiwal-Friesian cow is a game-changer. Resilient to disease and heat, it offers an economic lifeline to families while promoting sustainable land use.
“This cow not only produces up to 30 liters of milk but also requires significantly less grazing land, allowing families to prioritize quality over quantity,” explained Dr. John Kioko, Programme Coordinator at WWF-Kenya.
A Community Transformed
The LICLP, launched on December 2, 2024, is a collaborative initiative led by WWF-Kenya in partnership with organizations like Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO, Kenya Valley Development Authority (KVDA), and Environmental and Natural Resources Development Agency (ENSDA). The 10-year programme aims to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and poverty by integrating conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
At the programme’s launch, Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe and Kajiado MP Parashina Sakimba emphasized the critical role of women. “When you empower women, you empower families,” stated Moe.
To kick off the programme, 16 women’s groups received high-yield dairy and beef livestock, while others were provided with beading supplies, catering equipment, and a modern apiary with 100 beehives to promote honey production.
“The Sahiwal-Friesian cows are just one part of the solution. By growing grass, planting trees, and improving soil health, families are restoring the land. These efforts not only adapt to climate change but also mitigate its effects,” Dr. John Kioko highlighted.
The Sahiwal-Friesian cows are not just helping Phanice feed her family; they are also giving women in the community a new role.
“I never thought I’d own a cow, let alone one that feeds my family and helps protect our land. With the money I make from selling milk, I can support my four children and even save money in our women’s group,” Phanice explains.
“Life has truly changed for us,” she added.
Jackson Kiplagat, Head of Conservation at WWF-Kenya, highlighted the programme’s innovative approach to addressing conservation challenges while improving community livelihoods.
“This programme includes a strong focus on climate change, with capacity-building efforts designed to help communities adapt to erratic environmental conditions and mitigate their impact on the landscape,” he said.
A Greener Future
Looking ahead, the LICLP is planting seeds for long-term prosperity. By distributing breeding bulls to boost milk and meat production, planting 10,000 trees, and promoting fruit farming, the programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, is revitalizing ecosystems while aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that local ownership leads to sustainable impact.
“Life has truly changed for us,” Phanice shared.
The tale of Loitoktok’s women is one of resilience and renewal. Their journey from scarcity to sustainability is proof that, with the right tools and support, communities can overcome even the toughest challenges. As Phanice and her peers embrace this new chapter and lead the way, they are not only reclaiming their roles but also building a legacy of sustainability for generations to come.
