Research and Knowledge Management

Building evidence and synergies in diverse ways of knowing and Doing for intergenerational evidence based actions.

Indigenous knowledge systems and practices is at the heart of the visioning, programming and actions of ILEPA. ILEPA believes that the world is a better place when the existing diverse ways of knowing and doing (e.g. Indigenous and Western) meaningfully, respectively and proactively interact with each other. 

Arising from these convictions, ILEPA has consistently engaged with indigenous knowledge holders, undertaken research and publications on thematic issues in the context of indigenous knowledge systems and practices, promoted intergenerational dialogues with elders, and engagement between indigenous knowledge holders and policy and development actors.

ILEPA has undertaken a study with UNESCO on Maasai Pastoralists knowledge and practices on weather forecasting and develop a Maasai Pastoralists Biocultural Seasonal Calendar, which illustrates the deep knowledge linkages between the Maasai culture, livelihood and nature conservation. This calendar has become a powerful learning tool for Maasai kids based in urban centres who’re increasingly disconnected from their landscape and culture-scape

ILEPA has documented dynamics and principles of Community Based Monitoring Information Systems – the case of Maasai pastoralists and utilized such knowledge to inform the design and development of a Community Participatory natural resource Map at Enkutoto Group ranch in Narok South. The Indigenous knowledge, value system and practice informed map is presently being utilized by the group ranch to Land subdivision processes which takes into account cultural heritage and spiritual sites. This is first in land subdivision process in Maasailand

ILEPA has documented principles, values and processes of the Indigenous justice system of the Maasai – A case study of the Ilpurko and Ilkisonko Maasai sections of Kenya and Tanzania, including conflict resolution and peace promotion approaches. Subsequently, brought together Maasai elders, experts in the indigenous justice system of the Maasai in dialogue with the representative of the Judiciary, Court Users Association of Narok and national government administration office (NGAO) to explore pathways for synergetic actions in the promotion of peace and justice. In parallel, ILEPA produced a popular version of the newly developed policy guide on Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism by Kenya’s Judiciary. And, two months the Narok County government and the Judiciary inaugurated an office dedicated for traditional dispute resolution activities to be used by Elders.

Maasai Indigenous Justice System

ILEPA has recently undertaken a study on the Indigenous medicinal plants of the Maasai in Narok. A catalogue on indigenous medicinal plants, their names, characteristics, uses and prescription has been developed. ILEPA sits in the National coordination committee of the County-wide Documentation and Digitization project of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions associated assets, being implemented by the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), under the Natural Product Industry (NPI), A flagship project under Kenya’s Vision 2030. It facilitated the implementation of the project in Narok County in close collaboration with the elders. 

A popular version of the Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act 2016 document was prepared. The goal is to provide an easily accessible and communicative document to be available for indigenous community’s leaders and Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) for awareness raising on gains and for triggering demand driven application of the said law.

Study on Indigenous Medicinal Plant *Restricted Access*) ******To Be Shared*****

The Director of ILEPA serves as the Chairman of a Taskforce established under the Narok Kajiado Economic Block (NAKAEB) to document a full portrait of the Maasai cultural heritage. The Taskforce under his leadership designed and convened the Inaugural Maasai Cultural Festival that brought representatives of the 25 Maasai territorial sections together, in August 2023.

Community Resource Center

A hub for knowledge, support and community empowerment

Earlier on, at the height of the pandemic ILEPA had undertaken awareness raising activities on handwashing and facilitate access to culturally and environmentally friendly masks, and thereafter initiated on-line based learning for rural pastoralists school-going children who seriously disadvantaged with shift to go virtual learning in the national education system. Towards this endeavour, ILEPA provided computers, internet and reference learning materials within Mutatain community resource centre at village. It a big relief to the rural learners. Mutatain resource centre continues to be of great help to school going children at all levels.

In line with the thematic, ILEPA partners in the below projects:

PELKAP, Pastoralist Enhanced, Livelihood and Knowledge Advocacy Project

The Pastoralists’ Enhanced Livelihoods, Knowledge, and Advocacy Project (PELKAP) aims to enhance the resilience of pastoral livelihoods by improving access to livestock feeds, water, support services, and markets while fostering a responsive policy environment and knowledge generation. Implemented by Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners (ILEPA), the project focuses on four wards in Narok County: Maasai Mara, Maji Moto Naroosura, Mosiro, and Suswa. Funded by the Home Planet Fund and supported by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), its activities include pasture production, capacity building on cooperatives, livestock breed improvement, and promoting indigenous knowledge systems to address climate resilience and sustainable development.

IN, Indigenous Navigator

is a comprehensive framework and set of tools designed by and for Indigenous Peoples to systematically monitor the recognition and implementation of their rights. It provides Indigenous organisations, communities, duty bearers, NGOs, and journalists with free access to tools and resources rooted in community-generated data. ILEPA has successfully piloted community projects informed by data from the Indigenous Navigator in four communities. These include a water pan in Enkutoto, a dispensary in Ololoipa’ngi, a maternity wing in Maji Moto, and an ongoing project to establish a dispensary with a maternity wing in the Keneti community.

Michigan University and IITC 

Global Data on Indigenous Peoples (BMZ)