Kenya has a large nile crocodile population, but there are concerns about habitat destruction, poisoning, and human-wildlife conflict.In the Tana River County, in the Kenyan coastal region, we have launched and established a crocodile ranching programme. The human population in the county is increasing, with over half under 15 years of age. Only a third of the inhabitants have a secondary education, or above and unemployment is very high. The main means of community livelihood is pastoralism and farming.

Crocodiles bring fear, havoc and death to communities while they access water for livestock or personal use along Tana River. Crocodile ranching was established to help reduce conflict and generate benefits for both people and crocodile.

Wild-harvested eggs are collected by community members, and sold to several crocodile ranches who hatch and rear them. Other community members are employed in crocodile ranches. Crocodile skins are then sold for processing overseas into leather goods.

Egg collection is carried out in consultation with traditional community leaders, and egg collectors are selected based on their local knowledge of crocodiles and Tana River ecology. It is a highly skilled task.

It is in this regard that we are seeking funding to improve livelihood benefits through capacity building, education, awareness raising of the broader local community so that they understand the benefits that community members are gaining from crocodiles and the potential of this trade for the local economy and incentives and funding support for additional community groups seeking to become involved.