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Did you know:
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20% percent of the Earth's surface consists of forest-grasslands also known as savannas, steppes or tundras and that they occur on all continents?
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this accounts for 25% of the CO2 absorption worldwide and that the savannahs are therefore crucial as a weapon against climate change?
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the savannah has a great diversity of trees, shrubs and grasses, but never has a closed canopy layer.
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The savannas form a buffer zone between fertile agricultural areas and the desert and tropical rainforest.
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Rrainfall is unpredictable in time and place, despite the rainy seasons.
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Humans and animals have adapted to the ecosystem and to survive they migrate following the rains for water and food. This way they optimally follow the green grass for their livestock.
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Despite a fertile top layer, the savannah is not suitable for arable farming because of the unpredictable rains, the associated high costs for irrigation and the soil varies too much.
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the Maasai are switching en masse to agriculture and fencing off all their land and therefore Wild Animals such as the Maasai giraffe can no longer move around in search of food and water.
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That we are therefore working on introducing a new way of life with the Maasai in which wild animals such as the Maasai Giraffe can again access their food and drink and the Maasai also have food and water and have money for education and health care.
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they can meet 80% of the protein needs of the people in Kenya!
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this is very important because 80% of Kenya consists of savannas and desert and only 10% consists of fertile agricultural land. So switching to complete vegetable proteins is not possible.
Sopa!
With Eramatare we build our thriving future
By promoting healthy soil and biodiversity in the savannah, we improve livelihood and protect wildlife. With Eramatare we increase the biodiversity providing food and water during bad times and the possibility to earn money in good times.
Eramatare consists of 3 elements:
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By providing training in Sustainable Rangeland Management we improve the biodiversity of the rangelands and the health of livestock. At the same time reopening the savannah for wildlife.
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With our permaculture training we improve the soils and biodiversity of the homesteads. Through kitchengardens we provide women with additional income and healthy food, rain water catchment for fresh water, a living fence for agroforestry, and biogas for warm water and safe cooking.
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By creating sustainable value chains for the products of the regenarative land use methods, the Maasai diversify their income and improve their livelihoods, making them less vulnerable to the vagaries of the world economy. At the same time protecting their wildlife and landscape.
Our Projects
The Maa word Osotua means the "invisible umblical cord" which unites us all. If we are in need and ask for help, others will come to our aid. Being one of the strongest concepts within the Maa Culture, it captures our vision well. Back in 2015 we - Dieke Geerling and Nelson ole Kirrokor - realized that by listening to each other's ideas and needs, we can work together and create a positive impact adressing the challenges in the Kenyan savannah.
Our strenght lies in our network of Maasai driven community organisations reaching out for the most vulnerable Maasai individuals within the community. Working with their own chosen leaders and being trained by Maasai, our impact reaches far into these communities.
Our Partners
Have an Impact!
Economy
Social business for independence
The Maasai need a healthy and sustainable livelihood, which we establish by giving training in business development, setting up fair and eco value chains. By using social businesses and cooperatives, for selling the products of Eramatare we create financial independence for women and the poor of the poor.
Ecology
Regenarate the ecosystem
By using nature inclusive and regenarative land use methods, we create a healthy ecosystem creating acces to food, fodder, water and energy. By protecting our ecosystem, improve it's biodiversity and protect it's wildlife, we can beat climate change and create a thriving future for all inhabitants.
Find out more by contacting us.
African proverb
"If you want to walk fast, walk alone, if you want to walk far, walk together"
Contact us
Get in touch with Osotua Foundation to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
+31614451891
