Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife and nature—it’s about people, too. Across Africa, local communities play a crucial role in safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring the coexistence of humans and nature. Through my work in conservation photography, I have interacted with community conservation efforts that drive lasting change. From the Warrior Watch program reducing human-lion conflict to fishermen in Rusinga Island adopting sustainable fishing practices, these stories highlight the power of community-led conservation.
But what is community-led conservation? That is a question, as a storyteller, am still figuring out. But with my love for stories with the human at the center, here are a few of my favorite projects powered by communities.
During an assignment for AB Consultant, looking at how elephant destruction can be an insurable product to safeguard farmers from loss of human-elephant conflict in Amboseli, there was no better way to portray the optimism of farmer communities sharing the beauty of the harvest after employing all methods to deter elephants from destroying their crops that do not harm the elephants and still safeguard a viable harvest .
Samburu Warriors: Lion Guardians
The first thing you'll notice when you meet them is the vibrant colors—the intricate beadwork, the colourful socks. As a photographer, the urge to capture their portrait is instant. But they are more than just warriors; they are guardians of lions.
Through the Warrior Watch program by Ewaso Lions, these Samburu warriors track lion movements, helping to prevent conflicts between wildlife and herders. By fostering coexistence, they’re proving that conservation and culture don’t have to be at odds—they can thrive together.
And here’s the best part—they’re on TikTok!.
The photo story was in collaboration with the community members of Samburu and Ewaso Lions
Climate-Smart Solutions in Rusinga Island
As I grew, I gradually saw the yellow lights turn to white, but I never took note of this seriously. But five years ago, when I was going for a walk on the shores, I met one of the fishermen tying a light on one of the floating frames. I noticed the light being used was different from the kerosene-powered lamps. He was using a solar-powered lamp to fish. Being a conservation storyteller, this hit a light bulb in my mind. Clearly, my community was mitigating climate change in its own way. This was very humbling and inspiring.
Growing up in Rusinga Island, Kenya, my family and I enjoyed the majestic views of the enormous Lake Victoria, called “Nam Lolwe” in our language, Luo. When the sun set, the lake came to life in a whole new form, with small yellow lights popping up across the water. The glowing bulbs appear to represent a town in the distance for a first-time visitor to the island – but in the morning, this town is nowhere to be seen. This is why we call it the ‘Ghost Town.’
In the night, this sea of lights – the so-called ‘Ghost Town’ – appears as a result of fishing the delicious Silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as ‘Omena’ by my brothers, uncles and neighbours.
This fish, also called the Lake Victoria sardine, grows only to about 3.5 inches long. They stay close to the bottom in the daytime and rise up toward the surface at night. They are caught at night using lights, then sun-dried, sold, and distributed through the southern East African region for human consumption and as chicken feed. The fish is attracted to light and only fished during the darkest nights of the month.
The photo story was in collaboration with community members of Rusinga Island (Kamasengre) and InfoNile. And has so far been exhibited in Rusinga Island, Egypt, Uganda and Benin
Living in Harmony with Elephants
"Zach, are you sure we’re safe? This elephant is coming so close," I asked.
"Just relax and don’t move," Zach responded.
You can imagine the feeling—standing in front of this massive animal, camera in hand, every instinct telling you to run. But the community members around us? They carried on with their day as if nothing was unusual.
That moment completely shifted my perception of elephants and the way people coexist with them. It all comes down to respect.
In Lake Jipe, encounters like this are common. The community experiences passive human-elephant conflict, not because they fight the elephants, but because they’ve chosen to live alongside them. However, this respect comes at a cost to their livelihoods—a reality that often goes unnoticed.
The photo story was in collaboration with community members of Lake Jipe and Save the Elephants
Local communities are at the heart of conservation. Their knowledge, traditions, and commitment to protecting nature are essential in addressing environmental challenges. By amplifying their stories through photography and storytelling, we can inspire a broader movement towards sustainable coexistence. The future of conservation depends on empowering those who live closest to nature to become its strongest advocates.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTHONY OCHIENG ONYANGO