Kenya is home to one of the last hunter-gatherer peoples, the Ogiek, and to some of the most corrupt politicians in Africa. The Ogiek are ancient forest dwellers who harvest honey and live in harmony with the Mau Forest in East Africa. They hunt with bow and arrows, make medicine, and generally practice sustainable community resource management.
Recently, Kenya experienced a harsh drought (amplified by climate change) in which water taps went dry and power from hydroelectricity disappeared. Focus shifted to the Mau Forest, a critical area where rains are captured and lakes and rivers are fed, to sustain the water supply of Kenya. Unfortunately, many indigenous peoples call the Mau Forest home, including the Ogiek. Kenyan officials are insisting on “ejecting all settlers” from the forest so the government can plant millions of trees and ensure water supplies.
Some are skeptical of this recently found “environmental altruism” considering 25% of the Mau Forest was cleared after officials handed out large tracts to “cronies,” and that forest dwellers have little impact on the forest that would justify their expulsion. Several Ogiek leaders feel that the Kenyan government wants the Mau Forest solely for economic reasons, and that no tree-plantings will ever occur. The government controls many aspects of Kenya’s economy, including the timber companies and it is thought the forest peoples are simply wanted out of the way for logging and farming.
The diminishing forest is already showing signs of its destruction: flash floods, micro-climate change, soil erosion, a decrease in wildlife, and dried up water supplies.
The Ogiek people have managed to survive for many centuries even under harsh persecution, so hopefully they and their crucial, beautiful forest can make it through this as well.
