One of the primary activities identified in the initial planning of the Kesho Trust’s collaboration with and support of the Enguserosambu Forest Trust was to undertake traditional knowledge mapping of the cultural characteristics and use of their homeland. The importance of this work was emphasized by Canadian First Nations communities to the EFT representatives who undertook a study tour to Canada in 2019.
Recognizing this priority, the Kesho Trust undertook a traditional knowledge mapping project based on interviews with over 50 elders and knowledge holders in the four Maasai communities of Enguserosambu Ward. The project was coordinated by a volunteer experienced in the process with Canadian First Nations. Erik Val (Yukon, Canada), who visited Enguserosambu on the first Kesho Trust study tour in 2018, returned to Almatasia Camp and coordinated the research along with the very able assistance of volunteer field coordinator, Julius Daniel (KT Tanzania), and community researchers Koisikir Nangiria, Terere Tutayo, Anna Shololoi and Stephen Sitoi.
Erik produced the final report which is now available online on our website: Maasai Traditional Knowledge Mapping. Mapping support was provided by Brian Lewis (Montreal, Canada) and the Geography Department of the University of Victoria