Abstract
Our study traces the transition from traditional livestock practices based on seasonal migrations to permanent settlements over the last half century. The number of settlements has grown seven-fold with the rising human population. The changing location, size, style and clustering of settlements and permanent houses reflects the changing lives and lifestyles of pastoralists in Amboseli choosing smaller family units close to social amenities.
ACP has documented the ecological degradation caused by subdivision in the Kaputei Section and permanent settlement in the Amboseli ecosystem. The heavy permanent grazing has caused of loss of pastures, erosion and extreme flooding in Amboseli National Park.
A review of the Olgulului-Ololorashi subdivision plans by National Environment Management Authority raised concerns over land loss and degradation caused by subdivision and sedentarization. Although the plans align with the Amboseli Ecosystem Management Plan 2020-2024, they should be incorporated into the Kajiado County Spatial Plan to ensure enforcement and compliance with the Presidential Decree and Governor of Kajiado’s directive halt to land sales pending land conservation plans.
settlement_bulletin_amboseli_2024.pdf |