Microenterprise Grant

At Mugie Conservancy, we believe that conservation and community empowerment go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainable development is embodied through the Mugie Biashara Grant, a core initiative of our Grassroots Fund that directly invests in local communities. By providing seed funding for livelihood projects, the Mugie Biashara Grant supports the creation of sustainable economic opportunities while fostering a deeper connection between local people and conservation efforts.

This initiative is not just about providing financial support; it’s about cultivating long-term resilience, independence, and stewardship in the communities that are integral to the success of Mugie’s conservation mission. By empowering local people to improve their livelihoods, we help to alleviate pressures on natural resources, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and strengthen the community’s role as partners in conservation.

Here are some of the impactful projects funded by the Mugie Biashara Grant:

Linking Economic Empowerment to Conservation

The Mugie Biashara Grant illustrates the importance of integrating economic development with conservation strategies. By promoting sustainable livelihoods, we reduce the dependence of local communities on harmful activities such as illegal logging, poaching, and unsustainable agricultural practices that pose a threat to wildlife and ecosystems. Economic security provides communities with the means to actively engage in conservation efforts, creating a win-win scenario where both people and nature can thrive.

In addition to the direct economic benefits, the grant encourages beneficiaries to take ownership of conservation efforts. When local communities see the positive impacts of conservation on their livelihoods, they become stronger advocates for protecting the wildlife and natural resources around them. This shared sense of responsibility is critical to the long-term success of our conservation programmes at Mugie.

By connecting economic empowerment to conservation, the Mugie Biashara Grant ensures that the benefits of sustainable development are felt across generations, paving the way for a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony.

Poultry Farming

Beneficiaries: Matunda & Mugur Self-Help Groups
Impact: Through investment in poultry farming, we support local families in establishing sustainable income streams. The poultry farms provide nutritious food for households and generate surplus income, reducing the need to rely on environmentally unsustainable practices, such as overgrazing or deforestation for charcoal production. By fostering economic independence, these families are empowered to play a more active role in protecting the local ecosystem.

Biashara Seed Support

Beneficiary: Melau Self-Help Group
Impact: By providing small-scale entrepreneurs with the necessary seed funding to launch their businesses, we are fostering innovation and economic diversity. The businesses supported under this program are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices that contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability. For example, some beneficiaries are exploring sustainable agriculture methods that enhance productivity while preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental degradation.

General Shop

Beneficiary: Naramat Self-Help Group
Impact: This community-run general store acts as a vital resource hub, offering essential goods and services that reduce the need for long-distance travel. It also creates jobs and stimulates local commerce. The economic stability provided by the store helps mitigate the drivers of poverty that often lead to wildlife poaching or illegal logging, aligning local economic activities with conservation goals.