Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge in Wildlife Conservation: a Case Study of the Shompole Conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya.

Abstract

The role of indigenous peoples' knowledge-practice in wildlife conservation is rarely recognized in studies. In the African setting, indigenous understanding has long been neglected by western conservation expertise. As a result, much of this information is rapidly fading in its applicability to animal variety protection. The purpose of this research was to determine the value of the Maasai people's current indigenous knowledge systems (IKs) in animal conservation and management. Specifically, the study sought to identify existing indigenous knowledge systems for wildlife conservation among the Maasai community living in and around Shompole wildlife conservancy, to assess the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems and wildlife conservation among the Maasai community, and to assess how the needs for human survival affects community wildlife conservation in and around Shompole wildlife conservancy. The study was guided by the Indigenous wholistic theory and the general theory of education. A mixed-method investigation design was utilized to meet study objectives. The study targeted 400 households‟ heads in the surrounding area of Shompole wildlife conservancy located within the Magadi Division in Kajiado County. A sample size of 120 was selected using a random walk technique. Data preparation exercise included data quality testing; data entry into the computer; data processing and the creation and documentation of a database design that incorporated the different measures. Spearman‟s rank correlation analysis was used to test the relationship among various study variables and hypotheses. The findings revealed that indigenous knowledge in cultural and social norms has raised awareness of the importance of conserving wildlife. The Maasai culture has deterred the killing of wild animals and promoted wildlife conservation practices such as setting free wild animals and limited firewood collection. Religious practices have restricted the eating of wild animals while economic practices dictate that wild meat is shared to discourage the hunting of wild animals. Besides, the need for human survival negatively impacted community wildlife conservation. The study, therefore, recommended concerted efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the County government of Kajiado to work towards mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems to enhance wildlife conservation. Finally, it is essential for the Kajiado County government in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to actively involve the community members in the conservation of the wildlife and ensuring that they equally benefit from the wildlife resource.