Nature, Leisure and People
Sustainable tourism meets the needs of tourists, the tourism industry, and host communities today without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs
We focus on sustainable use of natural resources through tourism to support conservation, community livelihoods, and leisure. We also promote agribusiness and sustainable energy ventures.
We empower western Kenyan communities in conservation through school clubs, local groups, and mentoring future leaders.
We are glad you are here
We are Angaza Vijiji, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the underserved and marginalised sections of rural Kenyan communities. Our focus on sustainable development prioritises sustainable enterprise in ecotourism, agricultural production for food security and poverty reduction, permaculture, and sustainable energy investment enterprises. Wildlife conservation and research are also among our priority areas.
What we have done
Mentorship for Future Leaders
We are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of sustainable development leaders. Through our school outreach programs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and network extension activities, we provide students with hands-on experience and direct involvement in our fieldwork. Our mentorship has guided students to significant achievements, including winning prestigious global awards such as the Conservation Leadership Programme award in 2022
To read about the work done by some of the students and staff who have been through our mentorship program visit this link.
We are committed to mentoring students in conducting research related to environmental conservation. At Angaza Vijiji, we guide, support, and inspire students to actively participate in activities that deliberately preserve the environment for future generations.
BY
DAVID ONYIMBI
University of Nairobi.
The lack of knowledge regarding the habitat needs of bats hinders the creation of successful conservation initiatives. Roost sites are an important habitat component for healthy bat populations because they offer stable microclimates, serve as places for social interactions and the raising of young, and provide protection from predators and adverse weather. This study will investigate roost site selection by the endangered Hildegarde’s Tomb Bat in coral and karst caves along the Kenyan coast. The research objectives encompass the assessment of microclimate (temperature & humidity) and physical attributes within the caves, which are significant factors affecting roost selection. The study area includes caves at Watamu (North Coast) and Shimoni (South Coast) with control caves – where the target species do not occupy as confirmed by previous surveys – for comparison. Data collection involves the use of temperature and humidity loggers to assess microclimatic conditions, and physical measurements to evaluate cave dimensions and complexity. Resulting data will be analyzed to determine humidity and temperature preferences, and the influence of physical attributes on roost selection by Hildegarde’s Tomb bat. This study is essential for the conservation of not only Hildegarde’s Tomb Bat but also bat species in general, given their ecological and economic significance, as it proves important for updating existing or proposing new key Biodiversity areas. It contributes to the growing field of bat conservation, providing insights into the factors shaping roost selection, which can inform conservation efforts in Kenya and East Africa.
By
Millicent Jepkorir Bungei
University of Eldoret
In Kenya, bats comprise over 25% of the country’s 400 mammal species, and play critical roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect paste control. Bats are such an understudied group in Kenya. For instance, the biogeography of the diverse bat community, especially the critical cave roosts, remains largely undocumented. Moreover, many cave ecosystems remain under-surveyed and unprotected, and their vulnerability to human drivers of disturbance and degradation is yet to be known.
Using Bat Cave Vulnerability index, this study will map and evaluate the conservation priorities of selected underground bat roosts in Kenya to determine which bat caves are most at risk for identifying priorities for effective cave conservation. The study will concentrate on three key regions: coastal Kenya, Western Kenya and the Rift Valley. In each of these regions at least three caves will be selected primarily focusing on those situated in protected areas and community lands.
This study will achieve a number of important objectives for bat and caves conservation: assess anthropogenic activities within and around bat caves, Compare bat species richness among selected caves, Identify bat species of conservation concern, Identify and map priority cave roosts in Kenya and Publish findings in international peer-reviewed Journals to make the findings of this research known to others.
Discover the regions and communities affected by our initiatives. Learn about the challenges they face and the positive changes we are striving to bring.
Through our school outreach programs, we inspire students to pursue careers in sustainability. Many of our students have chosen to follow this path, influenced by our activities and mentorship. For instance, a student from Maseno School, guided by our outreach, gained global recognition for his dedication to tree planting throughout his school years.
We have successfully established three community-driven conservation initiatives in Vihiga, Watamu, and Shimoni, in partnership with Bat Conservation International and Maasai Mara University. These initiatives involve training community scouts and bat guardians to enhance citizen science efforts in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
In under three years, we have established sustainable agricultural, environmental, and wildlife clubs in fifteen schools. Our outreach activities and programs have helped create vibrant clubs that promote sustainable development in agriculture, wildlife, and environmental management. We mentor students to understand and practice sustainability, encouraging them to extend these practices to their homes.
In 2023, with support from the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), we integrated five special schools into our outreach programs. This initiative, focused on inclusive learning, aims to build the capacity of students living with disabilities in sustainable development, particularly in food and nutrition security. A notable achievement is the involvement of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, the leading environmental education organisation in Kenya, ensuring the continuity of the outreach beyond IREX’s support.
What we have done
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