ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN KENYA

Program Overview
This program probes analysis of the complex relationships between Kenya’s indigenous communities, land, water, and wildlife. You will be presented with modern challenges and solutions that can help preserve some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems – from African forest and wetlands to the savannah. As Kenya’s human population grows at an ever-increasing rate, improved land management, payments for ecosystem services, and control of human-wildlife conflict are all required to stem the loss of diversity and the habitats that sustain it. This program will provide an understanding of historical and current threats to biodiversity in East Africa, expose you to ecological regenerative practices, and equip you with field-based skills to observe and apply practical solutions to the needs of specific target groups. Geographically, the program is evenly split between Brackenhurst, an eco-campus in Limuru, Kenya, and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. In the Maasai Mara, students stay at the Maasai Mara Tourism College; a research hub and an unique opportunity for engagement with both local and overseas students and professionals. 


Pre-requisites

• A background in environmental science, conservation biology, agroecology, horticulture, development studies, wildlife studies, or related subjects is ideal but not required.
• We require all participants to be in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 and higher).
• Students must, at the time of application and program participation, be enrolled in a degree program at a tertiary institution. 
• Participants need to be culturally-aware and open-minded to thrive in this program.
• All lectures and tutorials are conducted in English; hence a good command of the English language is essential.

Location
Brackenhurst is situated approximately 25 miles north of Nairobi and set in a safe and peaceful environment among the rolling hills of Limuru, which is famous for its vast tea fields and farmland. Brackenhurst is home to one of the largest collections of indigenous plant species in East Africa, with over 1,000 tree and shrub species, many of which are endangered or thought to be extinct within their original distribution zones. It’s also an ideal base from which you can explore the surrounding Kenyan wetlands.

The Maasai Mara, part of the expansive Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, is comprised of 15 conservancies. These conservancies, the majority of which were formed over the last 10 years, cover over 300,000 acres of land and provide connected critical wildlife habitats that complement national parks and the reserve. They also secure major wildlife migratory corridors. Their vast open plains, Acacia-Commiphora woodland, rocky outcrops, and varied riverine vegetation provide habitat for around 400 bird species and over 60 mammal species whilst hosting some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa. The conservancies are established under the rationale of conserving the environment and its wildlife alongside a mandate to protect, empower, and improve the livelihoods of the local Maasai communities. Over 10,000 Maasai landowners are engaged in the various conservancies and are direct beneficiaries. In this way, their communities are placed at the center of wildlife conservation. The Maasai Mara Conservancies provide an ideal location to study ecology, human influences on the Savannah as well as community-based conservation in East Africa. The students reside at the Maasai Mara Tourism College which offers a unique opportunity for interaction with local and foreign students and professionals, as well as unobstructed views of the Pardamat Conservancy. 

Program Length
28 days

Learning Outcomes
During this program, you will:

• understand some basic principles of the ecological function of wetlands, forests and savannah ecosystems in Kenya.
• explore the relationship between people and wildlife in wetlands, forest and savannah ecosystems in Kenya
• understand the ecological and socio economic drivers of restoration ecology in a Kenyan three different contexts (wetlands, forest, and savannah)
• appreciate the complexities and challenges of formulating wildlife conservancy agreements
  undertake field-based research techniques applying to restoration ecology in each context
• contrast approaches to restoration ecology in Kenya and other parts of the world
• develop your intercultural competence
• connect insights gained during the program to future career prospects and aspirations
• critically reflect on your individual growth and transformation

Key Study Topics

• Forestry and agroforestry
• Ecological restoration and monitoring techniques
• Indigenous vegetation and biodiversity
• Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge systems and their uses in conservation
• Tree nursery management (species identification/propagation)
• Wetlands health and ecosystems services
• Community-based conservation vs. state protection
• Wildlife monitoring/research practices (transect game counts, camera trap grid design/maintenance, mammal identification techniques)
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Nomadic pastoralism, rotational grazing, and grassland management

Academic Credit
We do not currently offer independent credit for this program. However, students are encouraged to contact us so that we supply the required documentation if their participating professors can assist in applying for credit through their home institution. We provide a certificate of completion and a grade report on the successful completion of the program, but we do not provide an official credit-bearing transcript.


Eligibility Requirements
Students participating in this program should be aware of and be prepared to handle the following essential elements:

• Walking long distances (i.e. about 5km) over rough and/or muddy terrain during fieldwork exercises
• Traveling on bumpy roads (gravel and tarred)
• Exposure to sun and wind during fieldwork
• Living in a setting away from reliable internet (during your time in Maasai Mara)
• Managing dietary needs with limited available options in the Maasai Mara
• Possessing an awareness that participation in the program might evoke a level of stress, anxiety, and discomfort
• Working collaboratively in teams

Each student who takes part in our programs must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance which also covers any potential COVID-19 related expenses.

Cost 
USD $5 105
*Includes Maasai Village Experience and three Game Drives at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Other weekend excursions are available at an additional cost.

CONTACT EDU AFRICA