This is a trek done by Kenyan Northern Indigenous Tribes. A caravan guided by Maasai Morans well known to have traversed routes in the wild north. They are joined by volunteers from civilized parts of the country.
The caravan means nothing without camels hence, âCAMEL CARAVANâ, it makes no sense without THE GREAT âEWASO NGâIRO NORTH RIVER.â
Why camels? Camels are resilient to the hot scorching sun and harsh climatic conditions of northern Kenya. Camels are obedient animals and can be controlled easily. Camels easily camouflage to the environment around. They help carry luggage to camping sites which are about 40km apart. They can travel long distances without food and water.
The main agenda of the caravan trek is to create awareness as well as sensitize on the need to protect and conserve Ewaso Ngâiro River, the cradle of northern pastoralists and indigenous communities.
Itsâ extinction means death of livelihoods and eradication of indigenous communities in Northern Kenya.
In the recent past, there has been an increase of human population, wildlife and domestic animal population, agricultural expansion, mega infrastructural development by the government and climate change which has caused scarcity of water and pollution of River Ewaso Ngâiro. This conflicts have varied within a period of time;we have conflicts between communities and government, conflict between pastoralists and farmers, and intercommunity conflicts. This has led to increased number of conflicts and escalation of threats facing the river and itsâ Ecosystem.
River Ewaso Ngâiro crosses seven arid to semi-arid landscapes in Kenya. It covers Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Nyeri, Samburu and Wajir counties. Upstream it supports about 35 communities while downstream it supports about 45 communities. Itsâ name is derived from Maa Language meaning âRiver of brown water.â It is vital to the communities leaving in the arid areas of Kenya. It not only supports communities along itsâ ecosystem but also wildlife. This is because various national reserves depend on the river for animals to survive. We have examples such Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves.
Itsâ Extinction means death of livelihoods, wildlife and eradication of different Indigenous pastoralist communities. The Camel Caravan history is dated back in the year 2013. It is a five day walk with camels along River Ewaso Ngâiro through different counties such as Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit. It has been six years now since the camel caravan started.
Each year themes and goals of the camel caravan changes. This year it was held in the month of August from the 9th to the 14th. Itsâ theme was, âTransformation towards sustainable and resilient communities along Ewaso Ngâiro River and a celebration of the United Nations International Day of the Worldsâ Indigenous People.â
Main reasons behind the camel caravan is to:
a. Create awareness on human activities impacts on Ewaso Ngâiro River Ecosystem.
b. Raise awareness on effects of climate change to the riverâs ecosystem.
c. Create awareness among pastoralists on Mega Government Infrastructural projects that pose a threat to downstream communities lacking water.
d. Help pastoralists adapt and learn new ways of livelihoods aside animal keeping.
e. Create a resilient community that can adapt to any climatic changes.
The camel caravan has had its achievements over years. It has helped bring together community group ranches who have formed associations to conserve the environment and fight for human rights. It has brought about peace, unity and openness among different communities. It has brought a stop to governmental structures such as the Isiolo Mega Dam and resort city. It has created exchange forums among communities in different counties hence creating interactions leading to long time friendships. It has led to increased awareness and knowledge among the indigenous pastoralist.
During this yearâs event, different voices were aired out.
Malih Kaunga Laissa Laissa Malih Camel Caravan IMPACT_KENYA âŠ...more
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