During the second quarter, the Mara Elephant Project Coexistence Farm team officially launched the Crops for Coexistence project, highlighted last week here, beginning with rosemary cultivation. Two dedicated women’s groups, Naropil and Olosesia, comprising 45 women, collectively planted 20,000 rosemary seedlings across two acres. This initiative is critical in promoting human-wildlife coexistence by introducing crops that are not predated by elephants, while also enhancing local livelihoods in areas frequently affected by crop-raiding.
The team also organized a training session for 10 women, equipping them with seedlings for their kitchen gardens. Both out-grower groups have already begun weeding, ensuring healthy growth of the rosemary crops. Plans to continue planting with the remaining three out-grower groups were delayed due to low rainfall in June, but all farms are ready, and planting is set to resume in Q3.
Back at the Coexistence Farm, the quarter brought scattered rainfall, but crops showed strong growth. Most had begun sprouting again after the March harvest. The kitchen garden underwent a major expansion to increase the supply of fresh vegetables to MEP HQ and to accommodate five upcoming women’s group trainings focused on food security and improved livelihoods. The team harvested 25 kg of chili and remodeled and replanted the chili plot, increasing its size by utilizing wider pathways and maximizing plot space.
The conservation education program was equally active and filled with impactful collaborations. They held two career day activities, one in Loita High School and one at Olchekut Supat High School, alma mater to several MEP staff. While there, they interacted with over 100 students, highlighting conservation careers and emphasizing the importance of careers in conservation.
The team also established two new school gardens, one in collaboration with Women in the Wild and Enonkishu Conservancy at Oloonkolin Primary School and one at Ngosuany Primary School planting 2,400 vegetable and 30 fruit tree seedlings to support school nutrition efforts. Additional educationally engaging activities took place during the second quarter in three primary schools, planting 100 fruit tree seedlings and 700 indigenous tree seedlings.
MEP’s female staff participated in a Women in Conservation Forum hosted by The Maa Trust, where women leaders across the Mara came together to network and explore ways to leverage each other’s skills and experiences.
In late May, the team visited Oldorko and Naningoi Primary Schools, distributing 170 reusable sanitary towels (courtesy of Kampur Travel Diaries) and 550 biodegradable pads. As part of Menstrual Hygiene Month, 270 learners were educated on eco-friendly menstruation, proper disposal methods, and breaking stigma—supporting both environmental sustainability and student well-being.
Finally, MEP organized a book drive at Isokon Primary School, engaging students by reading and discussing “Ole Peenko Survives the Drought,” a powerful story on climate change, water conservation, and education. Forty students from Isokon were also treated to an unforgettable safari experience, visiting the MEP HQ, Mara North Airstrip, Ol Choro Rhino Sanctuary, Women in the Wild, and horse stables. This immersive experience provided valuable exposure to conservation in action.
Your continued support is helping the Coexistence Farm thrive, and the conservation education program is gaining traction across the Mara. As we look ahead, we are confident this work will continue to meet the evolving needs of local communities.
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