Ripples of Hope: Improving Water Access for People and Elephants in Nannapa Community Conservancy

An aerial view of Nantudu dam in Nannapa Community Conservancy, Oldonyiro, Isiolo County.

The desilting of a water pan at Nantudu, which had been out of commission for nearly three years, has thrilled community members in Nannapa Community Conservancy. The water pan’s heavy siltation had made it difficult for the community to access clean water for domestic and livestock use, as most of the pan was filled with sand.

On multiple occasions, elephants had become stuck in the silt while attempting to drink from the water pan. 10 elephants had been safely rescued, thanks to the community’s quick responses. Munkai Lekaato, a resident of Nannapa, recalls the challenges they faced before the pan’s desilting.

To access water, community members had to trek nearly 20 kilometres to Ewaso River, endangering themselves, as herds of elephants frequented the route.

“The water we used to fetch from the pan was barely enough, and it was so dirty we could not let children bathe in it,” explained Munkai, who was ecstatic that the days of going to fetch water in the river were in his rearview. The Nature Conservancy, Nannapa Conservancy, and NRT worked together to desilt the water pan which also supplies wildlife with drinking water.

An elephant trapped in the muddy Nantudu dam, Nannapa Community Conservancy, Oldonyiro, Isiolo County in 2021.

The Conservancy has implemented practical measures to prevent human-elephant conflict over this precious resource.

Jackson Lekumoisa, Nannapa’s Conservancy Manager explains, “We developed schedules for water usage to minimise conflict. Elephants drink at night when they are most active, while community members and livestock utilise the pan during the day.”

This has ensured that communities, their livestock and wildlife continue to peacefully coexist, making life easier, safer and better for all.