Early in May, I began my internship journey by dedicating the first month to research and writing a project proposal focused on livestock and wildlife integration. This proposal laid the foundation for my work, guiding the two months I spent in the field at Loisaba collecting data with the Livestock, Community, and Conservation departments. During my time at Loisaba, I explored how sustainable land management practices can create a balanced coexistence between agricultural needs and environmental stewardship. Working closely with department experts, I focused on livestock-wildlife integration as a model for improved land management, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced community livelihoods. This hands-on experience offered a unique opportunity to investigate how thoughtful, integrated approaches to conservation can support both ecosystem health and the wellbeing of local communities. The last month was dedicated to data analysis.

Hands-On Learning in Livestock-Wildlife Integration

A central aspect of my work was assessing and enhancing Loisaba’s livestock-wildlife integration practices. I engaged in assessment of environmental impacts of bomas (temporary livestock enclosures that protect them from predators like lions). These assessments included evaluating 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year-old abandoned bomas to determine their effectiveness in improving soil quality, promoting vegetation regrowth, and enhancing local biodiversity. Working alongside the livestock department, I collected data and participated in the installation of metal bomas. This hands-on experience allowed me to better understand the role that livestock-wildlife integration practices play in preserving land quality, supporting wildlife habitats, and promoting community resilience in the face of ecological challenges.

Visits to Borana Conservancy and Lolldaiga Ranch

In pursuit of a broader understanding of livestock management, the CEO of Loisaba and Richard Vigne, organised a visit to Borana Conservancy and Lolldaiga Ranch to study the “Aardt boma” system, developed by Richard Van Aardt. The Aardt boma is an innovative intensive model of holistic planned grazing. It confines cattle within a boma until the grass is cut short, after which they move to the next boma. This practice prevents selective grazing and conserves the cattle's energy by minimising movement (entire boma is electrified), as they graze intensively without roaming.

Because manure is widespread while they graze, it transforms the entire paddock area into a nutrient-rich zone. In contrast to traditional metal bomas, which often concentrate nutrients in one sleeping area and lead to single-species grass dominance, the Aardt system creates a more balanced and nutrient-dispersed landscape. The intensive stocking density of 650 to 800 cattle deters lions, as predators are reluctant to hunt in tightly packed groups. The cattle also carry fewer ticks due to the minimal distances travelled, which further supports their health. Additionally, livestock are moved to a new boma at midnight and taken to a nearby dam for water by midday. Alongside this experience, l conducted Ecological Outcome Verification at Enasoit Conservancy, assessing key indicators of ecological health to further understand the impact of such innovative grazing systems on land recovery and biodiversity.

Case Study Development and Mentorship

End of June, Richard Vigne sent Leigh Kant (Research Assistant at SOWC) to provide mentorship and support as I worked to refine the format and structure for a comprehensive case study on livestock-wildlife integration, which I am co-developing with him. This case study focuses on Loisaba’s innovative integration strategies and their ecological and socio-economic impacts on surrounding communities, offering a detailed look at sustainable practices that foster biodiversity and support local livelihoods. Upon completing my internship, I compiled my findings, reflections, and data into a research paper, which is set to be published under the SOWC. Through this publication, I hope to share Loisaba’s pioneering practices with a wider audience, advocating for sustainable models that promote biodiversity, enhance community livelihoods, and strengthen collaboration between conservationists and local communities.

SAPA and Sustainable Tourism

In mid-July, l contributed to the preliminary stages of the 2024 Loisaba Social Assessment of Protected Areas (SAPA) survey. This survey gauges the impact of Loisaba’s conservation practices on local communities and identifies opportunities for improved support. We facilitated focus group discussions across five communities supported by Loisaba, gathering vital information on the needs, challenges, and perspectives of residents impacted by conservation activities. These discussions provided a wealth of insights into how local communities view and benefit from conservation efforts, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the social dimensions of conservation.

Beyond livestock integration, l participated in routine wildlife monitoring activities, working with the conservation department to track species populations and observe wildlife behaviours. Additionally, a visit to Lodo Springs Camp (a sustainable tourism site within Loisaba) offered a firsthand look at eco-friendly tourism practices. The camp employs innovative waste management systems, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy sources, and greywater treatment solutions. This experience underscored the importance of sustainable tourism in supporting conservation while minimising ecological impacts.

Reflection on My Experience at Loisaba Conservancy

This experience deepened my understanding of how innovative land management can positively impact ecosystems and community livelihoods, reinforcing my passion for working toward sustainable solutions for rural communities. Witnessing the effectiveness of the Aardt boma system showed me how well-designed practices can support livestock health, deter predators, and improve soil quality, yet it also highlighted the complexity of introducing these solutions to communities with limited resources.

A key challenge ahead is finding ways to make these innovations scalable and accessible in local contexts. Integrating technology could play a transformative role in achieving this. Tools like mobile apps for tracking grazing patterns, GPS monitoring, or even solar-powered, portable electric fencing could help streamline processes and reduce labour. By leveraging technology, we can adapt systems like the Aardt boma to local needs, making them easier to implement and maintain. This experience has left me inspired to explore how practical tech-based solutions can empower communities to adopt and scale sustainable practices, ultimately fostering stronger, more resilient local ecosystems and livelihoods.

Special thanks to the School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC), especially Richard Vigne, for this incredible opportunity and mentorship. Their support has been instrumental in shaping my research and expanding my perspective on livestock-wildlife integration, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the development of sustainable conservation practices!