David Ngala

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Apr 20 2009 | By: davidngala

Friends of Arabuko Sokoke Forest has teamed up with A Rocha Kenya and Nature Kenya Bush meat Project to organize a community education team, working towards informing the local community about the importance of conserving the forest. This initiative has recently resulted in a number of meetings, both with schools and local communities, on the dangers and adverse effects of hunting bush meat.

The dangers of bush meat are many. Certain diseases such as anthrax and Ebola can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of wild animals. These animals are also part of what draws tourists to the forest. Unfortunately, some of these mammals are both endangered and hunted, including the Adders Duiker, Sokoke Bush Mongoose, and Golden-Rumped Elephant Shrew. The loss of these animals to hunting will also mean a loss of tourism and revenue to the surrounding area.

The schools were happy to have us, and FoASF benefited from a number of volunteers from A Rocha in organizing the lessons. In total, we visited seven schools, reaching over 670 students!

The students were eager to join in on the lesson

Charo Ngumbao, Bushmeat Committee Member from the local community, assisted in the school sessions

A Rocha Kenya volunteer Laura Wise from Reading, UK was there to help out

The team also set out to make aware the community the laws against hunting bush meat. The surrounding villages of the Arabuko-Sokoke have depended upon the forest for hundreds of years as a source of food. Many are still unaware that hunting in the forest is now illegal. For this reason, FoASF, A Rocha and Nature Kenya have strived to provide alternatives to illegal poaching. We have helped to establish small groups within the local community organized to both breed and distribute domesticated animals like goats and chicken. Each group organizes a constitution stipulating the best way to distribute these animals throughout the community. Once the Bushmeat Committee approves these plans, they will distribute a number of animals to the groups.

The meeting in Malanga drew 364 villagers from the local area! We were glad to have such a great turnout and are excited that the community is taking an interest in conservation.

A Rocha even helped out with allowing us to use their projector for our presentation!

Thanks to all who volunteered and participated!