Sarara guides shine at leading Rangeland Training Course

“Even the smallest of beings play a critical role in the larger conservation picture – and simple, community-driven solutions can make a big difference for the future of our planet.”

This was the message of hope with which two of Sarara’s full-time guides – Kevin Lenanyankera and Ian Lekiluai – returned after they recently attended a leading Rangeland Training Course in Laikipia.

“The training brought together a diverse group of interested participants – most of them from other conservancies and pastoral communities in the region, as well as some farmers from Naivasha and Nairobi,” says Kevin. “And like me,” he adds, “Ian shares my passion for sustainable land management.”

Exploring the detail and complexity of rangelands in this field-based course, the group spent most of their learning time in the wild – watching, listening, observing, and measuring different aspects of the natural world. They looked at the hidden and essential roles of all kinds of creatures that help to keep East Africa’s precious grasslands and savannahs alive and productive – from the large to the small.

Held at Suyian Soul Conservancy, the three-day course was presented by Dino J. Martins – a renowned Kenyan naturalist, entomologist, and evolutionary biologist. With only 10 participants, it allowed for a deeply personalised and hands-on learning experience in the heart of the wilderness. 

“The training emphasised how small, meaningful actions, like managing grazing patterns or protecting native plants, can have a large, positive impact on the environment”

East Africa’s fascinating & fragile ecosystems

As part of the arid and semi-arid zones across the continent, East Africa’s Rangelands are fragile ecosystems. Seasonal rainfall, the movement of various animals, and many intricate interactions between different plants, fungi, microbes, and other creatures are all part of this amazing and complex world. 

From ants to elephants, and from cattle to big cats – the web of life in rangelands is incredibly complex. “The training emphasised how small, meaningful actions, like managing grazing patterns or protecting native plants, can have a large, positive impact on the environment,” says Kevin. Ian adds that they learned more about the history of the savannahs, grasslands, ants, termites, and wildlife – as well as the intricacies of the region’s ecosystems.

Ultimately, the future of life and livelihoods in the dry lands lies in sound understanding, management, and conservation practices.

 Close to heart & home 

“Rangeland management is crucial in Samburu and Namunyak because our livelihoods depend on the health of the land,” says Kevin. “Overgrazing and poor management can lead to land degradation, which affects both the people and wildlife that rely on these ecosystems. While I have seen the effects of such degradation, I also know that with proper management, the land can be restored, supporting both sustainable pastoralism and biodiversity.”

One of the highlights of the course was that it ignited new interests for both Ian and Kevin along the way. Ian says that before their training, he wasn’t particularly interested in grasses, and just knew the local types in the region. “But during the course, I learned more about all kinds of grasses, and I now understand better how they all play such important roles in ecosystems!”

In Kevin's case, he didn’t give much thought to insects like termites or ants in the past. “However, after learning about them from Dino J. Martin, I’m now fascinated by their role as keystone species and ecosystem engineers! Termites, harvester ants, and bees play a significant part in maintaining soil health and supporting plant growth – making them critical to the rangeland ecosystem.”

Meaningful bonds

Making many new friends during the course, Ian says they really enjoyed sharing their respective knowledge and different guiding stories among their peers. “Between us, we had so many questions, which were answered and solved in so many different ways!” 

Kevin adds that it was especially meaningful to bond over shared experiences and challenges in land management. “For example, we discussed how rotational grazing can reduce pressure on the land while observing the impact of these practices firsthand in the field.” Overall, he says it was truly inspiring to exchange ideas and knowledge with people who face similar conditions in their regions.

Kevin and Ian (on the far right) with other members of the course. 

Looking ahead

Back at Sarara, Ian said he sincerely appreciated that he had the support to pursue his training in Rangeland Management. Keen to keep expanding his knowledge, he added: “It would be wonderful to explore more opportunities like these to grow my knowledge and insight whenever courses like these are conducted again.”

According to Kevin, “The experience has been incredibly enriching, and I have gained valuable insights that I can bring back to our work in conserving our rangelands. I’m deeply grateful to Sarara for supporting my participation in this Rangeland Training Course. It was a chance to grow both personally and professionally, and this trust and support means so much to me – and the future of our environment.”