Elephant & Sunflower Initiative
Fostering harmonious human-elephant coexistence while empowering local communities through sunflower agriculture, ecological conservation, and community-led initiatives
Promoting Sunflowers to Save Elephants and Support Farmers
Location: Kasigau, Kenya
Description: Situated directly between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, the Kasigau area is a vital elephant dispersal area and migration corridor. The Tsavo-Mkomazi ecological system is home to over 17,000 elephants, which is the largest in Kenya. The lush landscape of Mt Kasigau and its availability of water offers much needed habitat for elephants during the dry season.
Of course, with such a large quantity of elephants, the area also has a high number of human-elephant interactions. With most Kasigau residents relying on farming for their livelihoods, elephants often raid the farms in search of fodder. In just one night, residents can lose their entire season’s crop or their water supply to elephants. As a result, interactions between humans and elephants in Kasigau are usually extremely negative for both parties. Through focused projects, program seeks to protect the elephant population, decrease human-wildlife conflict, and increase the socioeconomic situation of local residents.
Elephant & Sunflower Projects
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Promote sunflower agriculture
Encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt sunflower cultivation as a sustainable alternative to food crops vulnerable to elephant raids. By providing training, resources, and access to quality seeds, we aim to foster coexistence, economic growth, and wildlife protection.
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Develop water catchment area
By constructing and maintaining efficient water collection structures, the project aims to ensure consistent water supply for sunflower farming, support local agriculture, and mitigate human-elephant conflicts, fostering sustainable community development.
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Support local Elephant Guardians
Empowering the brave Kasigau Elephant Guardians at Gae Rock on their mission to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants. Volunteers tirelessly protect elephants from fear and hostility perpetuated by human-elephant conflicts.
