Nairobi: The International Crane Foundation (ICF), in partnership with Crane International Foundation and the Endangered World Trust, is spearheading an ambitious and large-scale conservation effort aimed at protecting Kenya’s wetlands and reversing the alarming decline in the population of the Grey Crowned Crane. Once a common sight across East Africa, the Grey Crowned Crane has now become one of the world’s most threatened crane species.
According to Kenya News Agency, the population of this bird has dropped precipitously in the past 35 years, making it a priority for wildlife conservationists. The Grey Crowned Crane population has seen a drastic decline from over 35,000 cranes in 1986 to just around 10,000 today, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Experts believe that habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, and widespread poisoning from farmers are some of the primary causes of this decline.
Joseph Mwangi, Kenya National Manager, Crane International Foundation, explained the various factors that have led to the crane’s current predicament. ‘In the last three and a half decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in the population of Grey Crowned Cranes. Some of the biggest challenges include habitat loss due to wetland encroachment, increased use of pesticides and chemicals in farming, and illegal poaching for the pet trade,’ Mwangi noted.
Wetlands, which serve as the primary breeding grounds for cranes, have been rapidly disappearing due to human encroachment, agricultural expansion, and climate-induced weather changes. In many regions, farmers seeking more land for cultivation have drained wetlands, destroyed natural vegetation, and introduced chemicals into water sources, all of which make these ecosystems unsuitable for crane breeding.
Furthermore, some farmers have viewed cranes as pests, believing that the birds damage their crops. In retaliation, cranes have been poisoned in large numbers, further contributing to their rapid population decline. ‘There is a common misconception that cranes cause damage to farms, leading to cases of intentional poisoning and persecution. As a result, we have seen a sharp drop in their numbers,’ Mwangi added, emphasizing the role of misinformation in the ongoing crisis.
Despite the many challenges, the International Crane Foundation and its partners are leading efforts to protect the Grey Crowned Crane through a combination of conservation programs, community engagement, and sustainable farming practices. One of the key components of the initiative is a concerted effort to integrate the protection of wildlife with improving the livelihoods of local communities.
A major focus of the conservation strategy is the creation of enriched buffer zones, which are areas where farmers plant indigenous trees, fruit-bearing plants, and other crops that serve both ecological and economic functions. These buffer zones help to prevent human and livestock activities from encroaching on wetlands, while also providing farmers with alternative sources of income, thereby reducing the pressure on crane habitats.
Vivian Kitui, a representative of the ICF, explained the benefits of this approach: ‘These enriched buffer zones include indigenous trees, Napier grass, fruit trees, and even beehives. The presence of these elements not only protects the wetlands but also provides food for both people and livestock. This means that farmers have less reason to interfere with crane habitats,’ explained Kitui. She added that the above areas act as natural barriers to safeguard wetland ecosystems from agricultural practices that harm crane populations.
In addition to the buffer zones, the organization has also introduced spring protection programs in counties like Nandi and Trans Nzoia. These programs aim to provide communities with access to clean water, encouraging them to take part in conservation efforts by offering incentives such as sustainable water sources. Farmers have proven to be crucial partners in conservation, and many have adopted sustainable farming practices that reduce their dependency on wetlands.
Benard Kemei, a farmer from Kapsisiywa in Nandi County, highlighted the positive impact that the Crane Foundation’s initiatives have had on his community. ‘The foundation has given us indigenous trees, beehives, and avocado plants, which have helped us maintain the wetlands while also improving our income. They have also awarded scholarships to our children, ensuring that the next generation is aware of the importance of conservation,’ Kemei said.
These initiatives have helped farmers shift away from harmful agricultural practices that threaten wetland habitats. Local farmers are now growing food without damaging the delicate ecosystems. Emmaculate Lagat, a farmer involved in the initiative, shared how learning organic farming methods has benefited her and her community. ‘We were taught how to grow vegetables without using harmful chemicals. Now, we create organic seedbeds and use natural repellent flowers to prevent pests instead of chemical pesticides. This has not only protected the wetlands but also improved our health and food security,’ Lagat explained.
The educational aspect of the program is also vital, as it teaches farmers about sustainable agriculture and the need to protect natural habitats. By promoting organic farming and reducing chemical use, the conservation programs are fostering a more sustainable relationship between farmers and the environment.
Despite the numerous challenges the Grey Crowned Crane faces, there are signs of hope. Recent population censuses conducted between 2019 and 2023 show a stabilization in the number of cranes, suggesting that the community-driven conservation initiatives are having a positive impact. This progress is a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration between conservation organizations, local communities, and farmers.
Mwangi remains cautiously optimistic about the future of crane conservation in Kenya, though he acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. ‘Protecting the cranes is not just about saving a species, it’s about preserving our wetlands, securing clean water sources, and ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods without harming the environment,’ Mwangi said. ‘This is a fight that requires the collective efforts of conservationists, government agencies, and local communities,’ he added.
ICF continues to advocate for increased support for wetlands conservation. They call on policymakers, environmental organizations, and the public to back efforts to protect the Grey Crowned Crane and other endangered species that rely on wetland ecosystems. With further investment in education, sustainable farming practices, and habitat restoration, there is hope that the Grey Crowned Crane will once again thrive in its natural habitat.
Conservationists also stress the importance of continued collaboration between local communities and conservation organizations. ‘The fight to protect the Grey Crowned Crane is a long-term effort,’ Mwangi poised. ‘But with continued investment in sustainable farming, habitat restoration, and education, we can create a future where the Grey Crowned Crane, and other species that depend on wetlands, can thrive once more,’ he emphasized.
Additionally, Mwangi says the conservation of wetlands and the protection of the Grey Crowned Crane go hand in hand. Efforts to safeguard these wetlands not only ensure the survival of this unique species but also promote biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable development for local communities. ‘As conservationists, local farmers, and environmental organizations continue to rally together, the message is clear: protecting our wetlands and wildlife is not just about preserving a species, it’s about ensuring the survival of a whole ecosystem and securing the future for generations to come,’ he concludes.
