GENDER DISPARITIES AND SUSTAINABLE WILDLIFE ECOSYSTEM: A CASE OF MAASAI MARA CONSERVANCIES NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Gender equity and women’s empowerment are prerequisites to effective biodiversity conservation, climate action and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. In view of its ecological, social and economic value, wildlife is an important renewable natural resource. Its significance is felt in areas such as rural development, land-use planning, food supply, tourism, scientific research and cultural heritage. A better understanding of the different roles, knowledge, needs and aspirations of women and men with regard to wildlife management and conservation can help us achieve the twin goals of better conservation outcomes and increased gender equity. This study aimed at assessing the gender disparities and sustainable wildlife ecosystem in conservancies within Maasai Mara ecosystem, Narok County, Kenya with an aim of coming up with the best strategies to enhance gender responsive and sustainable wildlife ecosystem. The study was carried out in four Maasai Mara wildlife conservancies. Descriptive survey and sequential explanatory mixed method approach were adopted for the study. A sample size of 167 respondents comprising of wildlife managers, conservancy landowners and conservancy rangers participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires, Focused Group discussion and interviews. The data collected quantitatively was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the findings were presented using percentages, graphs and tables. The findings showed that there were gender dimensions in wildlife ecosystem destruction in Maasai Mara ecosystem. Women were underrepresented as staff, wildlife managers and beneficiaries in payment for ecosystem benefits in conservancies. The study recommends that the wildlife conservancies, institutions and managers should incorporate more women into wildlife management and conservation projects as well as employ gender advocacy and empowerment programmes to facilitate gender equity and sustainable wildlife ecosystems. Key words: Gender, Disparities, Sustainable wildlife ecosystems, Conservancy