Strengthening Governance and Community-Based Resource Management in Naibunga Upper and Shulmai Conservancies

The Laikipia Conservancies Association (LCA), in collaboration with Life Through Wildlife (LTW) and the University of Florida, conducted a two-day engagement focused on governance dashboard validation and Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Naibunga Upper and Shulmai Conservancies.

The exercise formed part of LCA’s ongoing commitment to improving governance, transparency, and community-driven conservation across Laikipia. It sought to assess how conservancy boards and community members perceive leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and equitable resource use.

Governance Dashboard Validation

The validation process was based on household data collected in July 2025 using the Kobo Toolbox platform. A total of 186 households across the two conservancies participated in the survey, which captured insights on livelihoods, social cohesion, wildlife tolerance, and leadership trust.

Findings revealed that while community members expressed confidence in their local leaders and chiefs, they also emphasized the need for greater transparency, budget awareness, and regular feedback on conservancy management decisions. Issues such as drought, livestock diseases, and human-wildlife conflict were also identified as persistent challenges affecting livelihoods.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)

The CBNRM session was facilitated by Dr. Rodgers Lubilo, a natural resource management expert from Zambia, who introduced participants to the people–resources–economy model a bottom-up approach linking household livelihoods with sustainable resource use. This participatory model empowers communities to manage natural resources collectively while deriving tangible economic benefits.

Leaders and board members from both conservancies welcomed the model, noting that it encourages inclusive decision-making, reduces management pressure, and enhances accountability and community trust.

Key Takeaways

• Community members will be sensitized on their conservancy constitutions and annual budgets to strengthen openness and participation.

• The data collected provides a baseline for improving governance and aligning local actions with broader landscape conservation goals.

• Both conservancies committed to integrating CBNRM principles into their operational plans and strengthening community outreach.

Conclusion

The sessions in Naibunga Upper and Shulmai Conservancies demonstrated the power of collaborative learning and data-driven governance. By combining participatory tools like the governance dashboard with inclusive frameworks such as CBNRM, LCA and its partners are empowering communities to lead in the sustainable management of Laikipia’s natural resources ensuring that conservation remains both people-centered and locally accountable.