Kuku/Iltilal – August 2025

The Kuku community has long endured the harsh reality of recurring droughts. These extreme conditions have placed growing pressure on both wildlife and livestock, deeply affecting the livelihoods of local pastoralists. The situation remains urgent but there are first signs of recovery, such as reduced erosion and vegetation growth.

Land restoration through bund digging is helping to turn things around. In November 2023, 122 community members joined the effort, earning income while playing a direct role in restoring their environment. To protect the land during this critical regrowth phase, eight Rangers (employed by our partner MWCT) are now actively patrolling the sites and engaging with grazing committees to ensure the prevention of grazing and report instances of grazing or illegal activities. Over the next two years, they will ensure the site remains protected until it can be responsibly grazed once again.

Only a year ago, the area was overrun by the invasive Ipomea species. Today, the plant has dried out, and within the bunds, seeded grasses are taking root. Regular meetings with grazing committees and rangers have helped maintain the site and strengthen local awareness of the importance of restoring native vegetation.

Wildlife is returning! Gazelles and zebras are now regularly seen grazing in the area, clear signs that the land is healing. With continued support and protection, this once-degraded landscape is slowly but surely coming back to life.

Figure 1: community meeting at Iltilal village on the sustainability and management of the bund site

Figure 2: A photo  of the site