1. Project Background

Kenya’s wildlife faces mounting threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict (HWC), which costs communities over KSh 2 billion annually in crop/livestock losses. At the same time, iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos remain at risk. The WILD-HARMONY project integrates community-led conservation, innovative mitigation strategies, and sustainable livelihoods to protect biodiversity while improving human welfare.

Key Challenges Addressed:

• Habitat Encroachment due to expanding agriculture/settlements
• Retaliatory Killing of predators (lions, hyenas) and elephants
• Illegal Wildlife Trade fuelled by poverty and weak enforcement
• Climate Change exacerbating resource competition

Alignment:

• Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation & Management Act 2013
• SDG 15 (Life on Land) & African Wildlife Economy Strategy
• Vision 2030 Tourism Pillar

2. Project Objectives

1. Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict by 60% in target landscapes
2. Strengthen Community-Led Conservation through wildlife corridors and habitat restoration
3. Improve Livelihoods via nature-based enterprises to reduce dependency on poaching
4. Enhance Anti-Poaching Efforts with technology and community scouts
5. Promote Coexistence through education and innovative deterrents

3. Key Interventions

A. Conflict Mitigation & Prevention

• “Living Walls”: Beehive fences & chili barriers to deter elephants
• Predator-Proof Bomas: Reinforced livestock enclosures to reduce lion attacks
• Early Warning Systems: SMS alerts for elephant movements near farms
• Rapid Response Units: Trained community teams to safely relocate problem animals

B. Habitat Protection & Restoration

• Community Conservancies: Support 10 new conservancies in conflict hotspots
• Rehabilitation: Restore degraded rangelands with drought-resistant grasses

C. Sustainable Livelihoods

• Beekeeping & Honey Value Chains: Income from pollinator-friendly habitats
• Crafts from Invasive Species: E.g., water hyacinth baskets, charcoal briquettes

D. Anti-Poaching & Enforcement

• Wildlife Crime Hotline: Anonymous community reporting system

E. Awareness & Education

• “Predator-Friendly Farming” Workshops: Teach non-lethal livestock protection
• School Conservation Clubs: Engage youth in wildlife monitoring
• Radio Dramas: Local-language programs on coexistence

4. Expected Outcomes

• 60% reduction in HWC incidents in target areas
• 500+ households with improved incomes from conservation-linked enterprises