WWB-Africa MENTOR Fellowship Program (Mentoring for ENvironmental Training in Outreach and Resources conservation) to Reduce Illegal Bushmeat Exploitation in Eastern Africa

Problem: Eastern Africa is facing a serious decline in wildlife populations outside and inside protected areas that is believed to be due to the bushmeat trade as a result of growing human populations, poverty, and the demand for meat.

During rainy seasons, it is routine to spot young men enter the game reserves and ranches in groups with wire snares. "What do you expect us to feed our families with? The meat is readily available," said Mr. Amos Karanja, a resident of Kiungururia near the vast Soysambu ranch. "We are interested in putting a meal on our family tables. We are poor and cannot afford beef," said another hunter on condition of anonymity. According to statistics from various conservation agencies, the species targeted by poachers are impala, gazelles, wildebeests, dik-dik and other edible species. (The Standard, 6 August 2007)

Information gap: Huge gap in information about bushmeat exploitation in Eastern Africa. Bushmeat trade in region is believed to be growing significantly. Last comprehensive documentation of the commercial bushmeat trade and its impacts on wildlife populations in the region was published by TRAFFIC (Barnett 2000). New regional field-based assessment, research, and monitoring needed. Innovative responses and interventions need to be identified.

Solutions: A well-trained interdisciplinary network of Eastern African specialists who can implement responses on: bushmeat research and monitoring, law enforcement, policy and legal solutions, alternative livelihood interventions, wildlife-human health interactions, and education and constituency building activities.

The MENTOR Fellowship Program Through a cooperative agreement, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), College of African Wildlife Management- Mweka, Tanzania (Mweka), and Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) are developing a “model” mentored fellowship program through Wildlife Without Borders- Africa to build the capacity of eight African wildlife professionals to strongly influence and lead efforts to reduce illegal bushmeat exploitation at local and regional levels in Eastern Africa. Budget: $500,000 over 24 months (ABCG- $225,872, Mweka- $274,128) with $190,000 cost share

MENTOR Program builds upon previous training efforts on bushmeat Bushmeat Crisis Task Force (BCTF)/Mweka Bushmeat Training Development Workshop supported by USAID (2002); BCTF Bushmeat Curriculum Development at Ecole de Faune, Garoua, Cameroon, supported by WWF Education for Nature (2002 to 2007).

The MENTOR Fellowship Program (Mentoring for ENvironmental Training in Outreach and Resources conservation) to Reduce Illegal Bushmeat Exploitation in Eastern Africa will: train eight fellows from four countries, conduct local bushmeat field assessments, carry out wide outreach activities through stakeholder meetings, and develop innovative pilot projects on multi- pronged solutions to the bushmeat trade.

MENTOR Program Goal: Reduce the illegal and unsustainable commercial trade in bushmeat in East Africa by raising the capacity of emerging wildlife managers and leaders in the region.

MENTOR Program Objectives Model Mentored Fellowship Program; Eight Highly Trained Wildlife / Bushmeat Mitigation Professionals; Interdisciplinary Bushmeat Network; Bushmeat Information Base for Eastern Africa; Bushmeat Mitigation Activities; Capacity of the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, to Provide Training on Bushmeat; and Tools for Professional Development and Project Success

Combining Field-Based Mentoring with Academic Studies Over 18 months, fellows: pursue academic studies (post- graduate diploma or advanced diploma) at Mweka (approx. 6 months spread out), and obtain one-on-one guidance from field based Mentors (who they will work with to conduct bushmeat assessments and implement pilot intervention projects for approx. 12 months)

Benefits for Fellows Support for academic studies at Mweka; Stipend of $US 10,000; Personal laptop computer; Costs for field bushmeat assessments and pilot project design and implementation; Specially designed study tours; Individually designed mentoring Networking opportunities International conference on bushmeat in Eastern Africa to be held at Mweka Long-term professional development guidance, career development and support for conservation pursuits.

Fellowship Eligibility Nationals from Eastern Africa; 21 to 35 years of age; Fluent in English; Motivated; Committed to conservation; Long-term interest in building network addressing bushmeat exploitation in Eastern Africa; Leadership qualities; Innovative; Problem solving skills; Professional achievement; and Academic qualifications.

Mentors A team of four mentors Spend approximately 17% of their time mentoring two fellows Paid stipend up to $US 17,000 Knowledge about the bushmeat Well-connected Chosen because of their interest in training young professional conservationists Nominated Question: Pick mentor first or pick pilot project first? Nancy Gelman

Role of the Mentors Guide program design/ implementation Participate in orientation, academic studies, and study tours Provide resources, information & materials Give ongoing mentoring of fellows Contribute to communications Provide potential affiliation, field sites, office space & other support services to fellows Make long-term commitment to participating in an Eastern Africa network on bushmeat Offer career development advice to fellows

Strong Monitoring &Evaluation (M&E) Component Strategic Planning and M&E workshop to refine indicators to monitor success of overall MENTOR Fellowship Program Measure effectiveness of formal and informal training according to: 1) Reaction, 2) Learning, 3) Behavior Change / Improved Performance; 4) Results; and 5) Ultimate Value

Emphasis on Outreach MENTOR Program is more than just training for eight fellows: regional network building bushmeat assessments stakeholder partcipation engaging with wider audiences through pilot bushmeat interventions using three-pronged approach of: 1) awareness, 2) alternatives and 3) law enforcement

Opportunities to Participate Help identify priorities for action on bushmeat Give suggestions for pilot projects for the MENTOR fellows Suggest topics for the 6 week orientation program and Post- Graduate curriculum for the fellows Nominate Mentors Circulate fellow application and help candidates apply Sponsor mentors or fellows Provide potential affiliation, field sites, office space & other support to fellows Participate in orientation program Support pilot intervention projects Contribute to communication activities Attend Mweka Concluding Conference

Timeline Highlights Aug 07: Circulate Fellowship Application Finalize TOR for Mentors 15 Oct 07: Applications due and Mentors hired 30 Nov 07: Candidates notified Jan/Feb 08: 6 week Orientation & Study Tour for fellows & mentors Feb/Mar 08: Course work at Mweka Apr/June 08: Bushmeat field assessments July/Aug 08: Course work at Mweka Sept 08/ Apr 09: Implement Innovative Pilot Projects with Mentors Dec 08: Study Tour May 09: Mweka Bushmeat Conference June 09: Fellows design proposals Fellows receive diplomas July 09: Evaluation & manual submitted

Next steps Seeking your involvement and advice to: Collect information on bushmeat projects in Eastern Africa – contributed to BCTF IMAP and for use by fellows and Mweka Implement communication strategy Identify resources and experts Design Orientation and Post-Grad course etc… Photo credits: USAID, WWF, CI, ABCG

Special thanks to: To contribute your bushmeat project descriptions:

We look forward to your participation. Thanks!