Presidential Initiative:
Feed the Future

Funding Level:
$1.67 million

Duration:
March 2011 – November 2014

Activity Goals:

• Ensure the sustainability and productivity of Kenya’s dryland ecosystems
• Promote the development of pastoral communities through the increased rate of higher education

Activity Accomplishments:

• 13 students selected for Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies graduate program in Sustainable Drylands
• 3 female students from drylands pastoral areas selected to pursue a Masters of Science
• In partnership with Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, six undergraduates and two Masters of Science students from pastoral areas received support through Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies.

Key Partners:
Ministry of Education; Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; National Drought Management Authority

American Council on Education – Office of Higher Education for Development – and, University of Nairobi and Colorado State University

Activity Locations:
Turkana, Greater Karamoja Ecosystem;  Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit  counties, Greater Ewaso Nyiro Ecosystems; South Rift, Greater Maasai Ecosystems; Kitui, Mwingi, Makueni agro-ecosystems.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
The Higher Education for Development Drylands Management Program is a USAID-funded partnership between the University of Nairobi and Colorado State University. It is designed to ensure the sustainability and productivity of Kenya’s dryland ecosystems and promote the development of its pastoral communities through increased rates of higher education. The Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies graduate degree program in Sustainable Drylands Resource Management opened to students in academic year 2011-2012.

ACTIVITY AREAS
The University of Nairobi and Colorado State University partnership offers a regional Ph.D. program at the Department of Land Resources Management and Agricultural Technology, including courses that address the development and environmental challenges of dryland ecosystems and communities. The activity recruits students from traditionally disadvantaged populations, including pastoralists and women.

Higher Education for Development Drylands Management Program works to build human capacity.

• The Drylands Leadership Learning Program builds the capacity of students and faculty to work with dryland communities, civil society, the private sector, and the Government of Kenya to address the problems of Drylands ecosystems and societies.
• The Research-for-Development Fellowship Program provides grants to students to research development and sustainability issues in Drylands communities.
• The Drylands Community Outreach Program promotes interest in higher education among pastoral people, especially women and girls.
• A Drylands Knowledge Exchange Platform coordinates knowledge exchange and access to information on Kenya’s drylands ecosystems.

Higher Education for Development Drylands Management Program works to build institutional capacity.

• Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies Advisory Board, comprised of sector experts, pastoralists, and women, conducts needs assessments in drylands communities.
• Community Voices Workshops ensure that the real problems of pastoral people are addressed by Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies.
• Partnerships formed with Government of Kenya ministries and key Drylands institutions leverage support for higher education for Drylands students.

USAID Contact:
Isaac Thendiu, Activity Manager
USAID/Kenya
Agriculture, Business and Environment Office
Tel:   +254 208 622 255
Email: ithendiu@usaid.gov

Higher Education for Development Drylands Management Program Contact:
Dr. Jesse Njoka, Coordinator/Director
Center for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies, University of Nairobi
Tel:  +254 0 202 133 086
Email: jtnjoka@gmail.com
            sustainabledrylands@gmail.com

Dr. Robin Reid, Coordinator/Director
Center for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies, Colorado State University
Tel:  +001 970 491 5941
Email: robin.reid@colostate.edu

Website: 
http://csdes.uonbi.ac.ke/
 

Updated February 2014