Maasai Community Research Articles

Factors Influencing Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Maasai Community of Ilkeekonyokie, Kajiado, Kenya

Globally, Sexually Transmitted Infections have become a public health concern as it is threatening people’s sexual and reproductive health. Both current and previous researches agree that STIs are a threat to societal wellbeing; hence need serious intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the prevalence of STIs among the Maasai of Ilkeekonyokie ward in Kajiado County within Kenya. The multistage sampling technique and convenient sampling procedures were applied to get a sample size of 100 respondents in Kajiado West. The sample size was justifiable as multinomial logistic regressions requires a minimum of 10 cases per independent variable (Schwab, 2002). The researcher used structured questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. Thereafter, the data were analyzed using SPSS (Vs 26). The study used the Multinomial Logistic Regression model to examine the prevalence of STIs in Ilkeekonyokie ward. Results from the study indicate that Maasai attitude dimensions explained in cultural attitudes toward sexuality, town job seeking, engagement in cattle business, and urbanization are related to the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Ilkeekonyokie ward.

Maasai in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Sustainable Development and Traditionality

The paper highlights the modern problems of sustainable development of protected areas with the living indigenous peoples on the example of the Maasai of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in northern Tanzania. NCA for 30 years (since 1959) has been a unique long-term experiment to maintain a stable coexistence of wild animal populations and the Maasai community practicing traditional methods of cattle breeding. Options for the development of NCA are discussed, taking into account new challenges, such as the growth of the population of Maasai people and livestock and the need to expand the area of the NCA strictly protected zone. The interviews conducted by the authors among the young Maasai of Ngorongoro have demonstrated that this the most advanced group of young people can be characterized by the specific combination of traditional and modern trends as regards to the future life plans, access to modern technical means, attitude towards the traditions and trends on the blurring of the stereotypes of reproductive and sexual behavior including information on the self-protection against malaria and COVID. One of the acceptable solutions for the provision of the sustainable development of Ngorongoro conservation area could be the relocation of the part of the Maasai population for the decrease of the competition for resources with the wildlife and the control of the abundance of the Maasai cattle.

Toward the Production of Contextual Built Environments: Unfolding Building Materials’ Sociocultural Meanings in a Maasai Community

Is it possible to analyze building materials’ culturally specific meanings? How can understanding such meanings be useful in the integration of sustainable building practices in local communities? Our research explores this question with the objective of informing future pathways in the transition to a carbon-neutral built environment including locally sourced materials. Relying on environmental behavior studies and using Rapoport’s methodology for three-tier categorization of meanings, our study examines sociocultural perceptions and behaviors around the use of building materials. It focuses on the case of a Maasai rural community in northern Tanzania with a view ultimately to shedding light on specific practices and innovations in building materials, such as compressed earth blocks, whose use should be considered by architects and designers in preference to counterproductive or non-contextual techniques.

The role of cultural safety and ethical space within postcolonial healthcare for Maasai in Tanzania

The history of the Maasai tribe in northern Tanzania is characterised by marginalisation, discrimination and political subjugation. Inequities, enacted through power relations, influence healthcare access, practices and outcomes among the...

Cystic echinococcosis in northern Tanzania: a pilot study in Maasai livestock-keeping communities

BackgroundThere are close similarities between the life-cycles of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) that causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and Taenia multiceps/Coenurus cerebralis that causes cerebral coenurosis in small ruminants. Recent evidence highlights that livestock in Maasai communities of northern Tanzania are suffering from increases in the prevalence of cerebral coenurosis, leading to concerns about a possible concurrent increased risk of human CE. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of human abdominal CE and the prevalence and species/genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. in livestock in Maasai communities.MethodsHuman CE was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound on volunteers aged ≥ 7 years in five villages in the Longido and Ngorongoro Districts in northern Tanzania. Infection in ruminants was evaluated through inspection in local abattoirs, followed by molecular identification of one cyst per animal, with a priority for hepatic cysts, using PCR targeting of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COX1), followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and multiplex PCR, and sequencing of non-E. granulosus s.l. samples.ResultsUltrasound was performed on 823 volunteers (n = 352 in two villages in Longido District, and n = 471 in three villages of Ngorongoro). Hepatic CE cases were diagnosed only in Ngorongoro (n = 6; 1.3%), of which three had active cysts. Village-level prevalence of CE ranged between 0 and 2.4%. Of the 697 ruminants inspected, 34.4% had parasitic cysts. Molecular identification was achieved for 140 of the 219 (63.9%) cysts sampled. E. granulosus s.l. and T. hydatigena/Cysticercus tenuicollis were identified in 51.4% and 48.6%, respectively, of livestock cysts. E. granulosus s.l. was identified in livestock from both Longido (35.3% of 116 genotyped cysts) and Ngorongoro (91.2% of 34 genotyped cysts). Of the total of 72 E. granuslosus s.l. cysts identified in livestock, 87.5% were E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3 genotypes), 9.7% were E. ortleppi (G5) and one cyst was E. canadensis (G6–10). The three active human cysts, which were removed surgically, were G1–G3 genotypes.ConclusionsMultiple species/genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. are circulating in Maasai communities of northern Tanzania. Human CE was detected in villages of Ngorongoro District and a high prevalence of echinococcal cysts was observed in livestock in both districts. More precise estimation of the prevalence in this area and a better understanding of the specific risk factors for CE among Maasai communities in northern Tanzania is needed. Interventions targeting transmission routes common to both E. granulosus s.l. and T. multiceps would have dual benefits for preventing both human and livestock disease.Graphical

Alleviation of Child Abuse as a Religious Duty

In Kenya, cultural practices have idiomatically remained a big thorn in the flesh among the various pastoral communities of Kenya. These pastoralist regions have remained traditionally undeveloped areas; either by design or by default. Such areas have posed a major challenge to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 5 globally, as well as in Kenya. This research article sets out to investigate the role of the Catholic Church in alleviating Child abuse in Kajiado County, which is directly addressing SDG No. 5, which requires the “Elimination of all harmful practices, such as child [abuse], early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation.” Specifically, the research article evaluates the Catholic Church's social teachings and activities which enhance the alleviation of child abuse in Kajiado County. Besides identifying the challenges faced by the Catholic Church, it equally assesses the strategies adopted by the said Church in order to overcome this enigmatic problem of child abuse. This research article is set on the premise that the failure to eradicate child abuse will lead to the continuous psychological, emotional, physical and poor developmental growth of children, hence failing to attain SDG No. 5. The research article is justified by the need to respond to the alarming reports by media, opinion leaders and members of the community concerning the prevalence of child abuse amongst the Maasai communities in Kenya. For good results, this research article has adopted a descriptive survey design in order to collect in-depth data from a diversified sample of respondents who represent the whole Kajiado County population. Simple random and purposive sampling methods were used to choose a sample size of a number of respondents. At the end of the research article it has been revealed that the Catholic Church has social teachings on caring, creating a safe environment for children and ably demands integrity from the assigned the care-givers. Although it was an uphill task and a major challenge in reporting and investigating cases of child abuse, due to some cultural restrictions, the Church has adopted measures such as forming the Diocesan children and youth departments, which helps in formulating policies and advises their respective Church committees on appropriate measures to be taken on child protection. It is finally recommended that the civil authorities and the Sub-County Children Department could protect victims of abuse through giving proper information on the children rights and also by speedily liaising with the authorities in arresting child abusers.

Why pastoralists grow tomatoes: Maasai livelihood dynamics in Amboseli, southern Kenya

This study documents the causes and processes behind the uptake of crop cultivation by a Maasai community of southern Kenya which, until recently, was still devoted to full-time mobile livestock keeping. Based on the methods of comparative agriculture and a detailed quantification of household income from livestock and cash crops, a classification of farm units (n = 38) into nine production systems reveals that agro-pastoralism on the Mbirikani group ranch, which is situated between Amboseli and Chyulu Hills national parks, is now mainstream, and that crops can exceed 70% of household income. Microeconomic analysis also documents large disparities in household income, with irrigated tomato farms benefiting from access to a pipeline ranking highest in profitability. Overall, the pastoralist–peasant dichotomy ingrained in portrayals of East-African rural life has outlived its relevance, with the tomato currently being a key game changer. This growing appeal for agriculture, however, is threatening the wildlife conservation because the profitability of tomato cropping has begun to outcompete those employment alternatives. By promoting landscape fragmentation and water extraction, however, irrigated agriculture also undermines free movement of wild animals outside the parks, restricts access to the key resources they require, and exacerbates human–wildlife conflicts.

Transfer of ownership for social venture entrepreneurs: A case study in northern Tanzania

ABSTRACT Social Venture Entrepreneurs (SVEs) invest in supply chains with the aim to ignite businesses, but with a vision on how to transfer ownership to third parties. The present study explores the definitions and forms of ownership envisioned by local stakeholders and the extent to which these are in line with the SVEs’ way of thinking. Using qualitative case study analysis, perceptions of legal and psychological ownership are compared between local stakeholders and social venture management in the specific context of a particular SVE initiative among local Maasai communities in northern Tanzania. It is concluded that different groups of stakeholders have different definitions of ownership forms, transfer and criteria. Social Venture Entrepreneurs will need to organize their definition of ownership around a perspective shared by its stakeholders, in order to realize the mission for which such businesses were initiated within regions that these businesses operate in.

Global warming impacts displacing the Maasai community in East Africa: challenges and responses

Global warming is increasingly leading to displacement of people. The Maasai community in East Africa are a pastoralist community that severely face the impact of climate change which is leading to their displacement. This article examines the context of global warming in East Africa, examines the direct factors for displacement of the Maasai community and assesses the various factors that affect migration patterns of the Maasai. Issues such as exacerbated gender disparities due to climate change are outlined with an analysis of the link between both. Kenya is home to a large number of the Maasai. Thus, the article also assesses the measures implemented in Kenya to tackle global warming effects on the displacement of the Maasai. The article aims to identify what is missing in the international and regional law and norms applicable to pastoralists affected by climate change with a section providing recommendations for the East African Community.

Energy Trajectories and Solar Energy Imaginaries of the Maasai

Solar energy development in Tanzania is steeped in discourses of Western technological transfer whereby the devices themselves are lauded as central innovating agents—the “doers”—that are solutions to local poverty. The trend intensifies in Maasai spaces, where a long history of marginalization in development projects has shaped the narratives of energy change around the practices and perspectives of pastoralists. In this paper, drawing from ethnographic work on Tanzania’s solar energy landscape, including 50 unstructured interviews with Maasai herders, city-dwellers of Arusha, Tanzania, and representatives from foreign solar energy firms, I show how the Maasai reconfigure incoming solar energy devices through locally generated knowledges, philosophies, and technologies in calculated efforts to chart their own futures. Using a sociotechnical imaginaries approach, I analyze interviews, historical literature and other relevant documents to underscore how Maasai pastoralists are central innovating agents in a shifting sociotechnical landscape who engineer and inscribe their own meanings onto solar power. The Maasai repurpose solar energy technologies as tools of negotiation between modern development initiatives prioritized by the national government and foreign solar companies and their own desires to remain anchored to elastic ancestral traditions grounded in the special relationship between herders and livestock. By discussing how solar energy is used and imagined in Maasai communities and combining that analysis with a history of top-down energy imaginaries in Tanzania, I hope to provide new platforms for (re-)imagining solar energy, pastoralism, and Maasai participation in technological futures.

Wildlife and Indigenous Communities in Kenya: The influence of conservation education in supporting co-existence between wildlife and a Maasai community

Human-wildlife conflict in Kenya is a complex issue with environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Conservation education can raise awareness of environmental issues, by increasing knowledge, promoting positive attitudes, leading to proenvironmental behaviours. Educated youth can become ‘conservation ambassadors’ who help spread messages through the community. This qualitative study critically examined the extent to which this took place using the Wildlife Warriors Kids education programme, in areas of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya. Data were collected on students’ knowledge, attitudes and practice in three primary schools in Maasai areas; in one of these school areas, interviews and a focus group were also held with Maasai community members. The influence on students was evident, regarding knowledge about wildlife, positive attitudes and an understanding of pro-environmental behaviours. The filtration of knowledge and pro-environmental behaviours to the community level was positive but limited. Culture and human wildlife conflict were the predominant factors influencing attitudes. It was evident there is a need to include intergenerational learning, and focus attention on cultural and environmental challenges, to enhance the filtration of conservation education to the community.
 Keywords: conservation education, Maasai, human wildlife conflict, indigenous knowledge, culture

Effect of Climate Change on Acquisition of Quality Education: A Case Study of Maasai Pastoralists in Narok County, Kenya

Climate change is a global phenomenon with far reaching impacts. Arid and semi-arid communities in Kenya, among them the Maasai community from Narok County, are dependent on the natural resources for their livelihood thus are greatly hit by the adverse impacts of climate change. This paper sought to establish the indirect effects of climate change on the quality of education among the Maasai community. Desktop literature review approach and key informant phone interviews were adopted for data collection. The review of literature indicated that increased poverty levels arising from climate change has largely affected the affordability of quality education. Therefore, people in Maasai community resort to coping mechanisms on labour demands that accelerate school dropout as well as early marriages. The Maasai herders are forced to increase their migration trends to long distances, a practice that has increased child labour disrupting learning for most school going children. In addition, the girl child has become more vulnerable to sexual abuse and early marriages with a consequent denial of education opportunities. The effect of the climate change on wildlife habitat has led to human- wildlife conflict that poses a threat to the security of the community members and therefore interferes with the smooth running of schools. Consequently, interventions to mitigate climate change effects should not only concentrate on the direct but also the indirect impacts that have got multiplier effects on sectors like education. These interventions should include, provision of adequate water infrastructure, investment in education policy and boarding school Infrastructural development.

A Comparative Analysis of Age-Set and Generation Sets in East Africa: Lesson for the Teaching of History in Tanzania

The article addresses a practical problem in the teaching of a particular sub-theme in Tanzania’s secondary school History syllabus, namely age-set systems in pre-colonial Tanzania. Based on their reading of the school syllabus, textbooks and other reference materials, the authors submit that the contents of this sub-theme are sometimes wrongly perceived and presented. According to the authors, the problem partly arises from confusions arising from failure to distinguish age-set systems from generation-set systems. Hence, the authors set out to examine how age-sets and generation-sets were formed, how they worked, and the extent to which they influenced socio-economic and political developments in societies where these systems existed. Drawing examples from Kuria, Kipsigis, Maasai, Pokot and Karamajong communities of East Africa, the authors conclude that there are notable errors in textbook sections that present these systems, and that there is no standard definition that fits the characteristics of these systems across all the ethnic groups in which the systems existed. They also argue that, contrary to what the textbooks say, age-set and generation-set systems are not post-colonial phenomena only, as they continued to exist and function in post-colonial societies.

Acute Toxicity, Phytochemical Screening, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous and Methanol Root Extracts of Maerua triphylla A. Rich. (Capparaceae).

Maerua triphylla root extracts are used by Maasai and Kikuyu communities in Kenya to manage headaches, stomachaches, migraines, and rheumatism. However, scientific data on their safety and efficacy are limited. The current study aims to investigate the safety, phytochemical constituents, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. triphylla root extracts. Aqueous and methanol M. triphylla root extracts were prepared by cold maceration, and the extracts' safety was evaluated using Wistar rats according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (2008) guidelines. Standard qualitative phytochemical screening methods were used for the detection of various phytochemical groups in the extracts. Analgesic activity assay in Swiss albino mice was done using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Wistar rats using the acetic acid-induced paw edema method. The methanol and aqueous extracts revealed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg bw, classifying them as nontoxic. The presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols was observed in both extracts. However, saponins were only present in the methanol extract. In the analgesic study, mice that received 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw of aqueous root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (reference drug) (p < 0.05). Additionally, mice that received 500 mg/kg bw of methanol root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received the acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (p < 0.05). In the anti-inflammatory study, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the inhibitory activity of different doses of the aqueous root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium (reference drug) on acetic acid-induced paw edema in rats. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the inhibitory activity of 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw doses of the methanol root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium on acetic acid-induced paw edema (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the roots of M. triphylla may be useful in the safe mitigation of pain and inflammation and therefore support their ethnomedicinal use in the management of pain and inflammation.

Resilience through Adaptation: Innovations in Maasai Livelihood Strategies

Abstract This article examines strategies adopted by Maasai and other pastoralists in Kenya to adapt to climate change, population growth, land loss, decreasing livestock holdings and land degradation, aimed at achieving greater socio-economic resilience. Using case studies mostly from Narok County and reviewing the increasingly rich literature on pastoralism and conservation in East Africa, we show that pastoralists employ three main strategies to adapt their livelihood systems: intensification (changes in land use systems to increase productivity per hectare); extensification (through territorial expansion into unoccupied areas or territories of neighbouring communities in our cases); and diversification (the combination of pastoralism with other livelihood strategies, mainly farming, conservation, tourism, business and wage jobs, often through migration to small towns or urban centres). Maasai communities have been quick to adopt these strategies, individually or in combination, in order to overcome ecological and socio-economic stress and to pursue opportunities as they arise. Since these strategies are generally compatible with extensive pastoralism, this land use will continue to play a key role in sustaining the livelihoods of people living in semi-arid and arid rangelands. However, when intensification and diversification through the adoption of ranching and farming occur, the rangeland becomes fragmented, with severe impacts on wildlife. In such cases, incentives for sustaining conservation and wildlife tourism will need to increase to compensate land holders for foregoing these more intensive land uses, thus moving towards reconciliation of ecological sustainability and strengthened livelihoods. These findings are illuminated by Gunderson and Holling's (2002) panarchy model and its nested adaptive cycles, where resilience is achieved by providing for change through loosening and reorganising connections between elements in the system.

Women's stories and knowledge of wildlife and conservation practice in northern Tanzania and South India

AbstractAround the world, Indigenous peoples have stories about wildlife that reflect knowledge and feelings about animals and their relationship to humans. Different people's experiences speak to the variety of interactions people have with animals in the spaces where humans and non-human animals live and interact. These stories are often told by women, reflecting the ways in which gender mediates human–environment relations. Yet gendered differences in knowledge and experience are rarely addressed in wildlife conservation research and action. Even community-based conservation efforts often ignore or marginalize the knowledge and experiences of women. We present women's stories and experiences of wildlife from Maasai communities in Tanzania and Soliga communities in India. We show that women have the desire and knowledge to participate in conservation decision-making but are currently marginalized from community conservation practice. We argue that including women in research and action is key for successful community-based wildlife conservation.

Culture as an Impediment to Socio-Economic Development in Henry Ole Kulet’s Blossoms of the Savannah

This paper examines how Maasai traditional cultural practices and beliefs in Ole Kulet‘s novel Blossoms of the Savannah hinder socio-economic development. The cultural practices that incumber socio-economic progress has implication on both the immediate Maasai community (as illustrated through Nasila village) and the society at large. In most societies in Africa, traditional and cultural practices inform and influence the daily experiences and behavior of its people. Early marriages and female genital mutilation are practiced in a number of communities across the African continent in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Guinea among others. One of this communities is the Maasai community in Kenya which is the physical setting of Blossoms of the savannah. Some traditional practices among the Maasai are detrimental as is evident in the long-term impact on the psychological, physical and the general wellbeing of its members. This paper focuses on the intertwinement of early marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and patriarchy and how they impact the socio-economic development in the society. Early marriages and female genital mutilation practices are socio-economically retrogressive in a 21st century society. These traditional practices and customs have roots in the social, cultural, economic, historical and political discourse encapsulated within the patriarchal structures and realized through gender inequality. This paper therefore focuses on how the traditional practices impede the realization of development in the Maasai community as advanced in Blossoms of the Savannah.

Fertility Myth of Oldoinyo Lengai and Its Impacts to the Maasai Community of Northern Tanzania

The paper aims to explore the myth of fertility associated with Oldoinyo Lengaiand its impacts to the Maasai community in the Gregorian rift valley system innorthern Tanzania. It assumes that in African spirituality, myths are used toguide knowledge, values and practices in the community and Mother Nature.Fertility is among the major transformation event in human life circles that canbe reflected through community myth. Through in-depth interviews andobservation techniques primary data relating to culture, customs and traditionswere obtained. Documentary search was employed to supplement field data. Thestudy found out that the Maasai community depended on the Oldoinyo Lengai(Mountain of God) for the fertility of human and animals. The fertility mythamong the Maasai pressurized them to prefer many children. The myth alsoencouraged the dominance of promiscuousness; and the deterioration of healthdue to bearing many children with limited maternal health care and the spreadof sexually transmitted diseases. Thus the myth of Oldoinyo Lengai in relation to fertility has caused an incredibly adverse impact on the Maasai community, particularly in Tanzania. The study recommends that health education and services be extended to villages in the vicinity of Oldoinyo Lengai with service providers who are well-trained to integrate the nature of the myth and its side effects to the community in relation to the changing socio-economic landscape. Moreover, it is imperative to empower the community members economically and socially so that they can decide their fate and exercise their consent.

Determinants of Risk Factors Associated to Pregnancy and Delivery in Maasai Community in Kiteto District, Tanzania

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated to pregnancy and delivery. The purpose was to find out whether danger signs during pregnancy and delivery motivate the respondents to attend and seek for maternal health services. The study employed cross-sectional research design in four villages in Kiteto District namely Partimbo, Kimana, Engusero and Ngipa to find out the determinants of risk factors associated to pregnancy and delivery. The study employed a three stage sampling technique. A simple random sampling technique was used to identify wards in the first stage. In second stage, four villages were purposively selected from two different wards. In third stage, households as a unit of analysis were obtained through random sampling, since the population was homogenous. However, in order to get population sample within each village, probability proportional to size (PPS) was applied. Cross tabulation and Chi-square were tested to determine the association of the variables and factors influencing maternal health utilization. The findings showed that 53 percent of the respondents were aware of danger signs associated with pregnancy and delivery. About 87 percent delivered at home due to various reasons mentioned like distance and transport costs. Also from the findings majority of the respondents by 64.6 percent suffered from anemia during the first pregnancy. However, the level of antenatal clinic visits was not significantly correlated with any other socio-demographic variables, but place of delivery and assistance during delivery showed a significant association with socio- demographic variables (p &lt; 0.005). Indeed, a lot could be gained by simple prevention, in particular regular antenatal visits, vaccinations, and quick referral in case of complications. Also TBAs should be taken as part of RCH in these pastoralist communities because of their cultural believes. Regular training and seminars should be conducted so as to help mothers in those remote areas.

Volcanic hazards assessment of Oldoinyo Lengai in a data scarcity context (Tanzania)

The objective of our study is to establish an assessment of four volcanic hazards in a country threatened by the eruption of the OlDoinyo Lengai volcano. The last major eruption dates back to 2007-2008 but stronger activity in 2019 has revived the memory of volcanic threats to the Maasai and Bantu communities and human activities (agro-pastoral and tourism). The methods chosen have had to be adapted to the scarce and incomplete data. The volcanic hazards and their probability of occurrence were analysed on the basis of data available in the scientific literature and were supplemented by two field missions combining geography and hydro-geomorphology. Our study enabled us to map the hazards of ash fall, lava flows, lahars and avalanches of debris. Each hazard was spatialised by being ascribed an intensity. They are sometimes synchronous with the eruption sometimes they occur several months or years after a volcanic eruption. The results are the first step towards developing a volcanic risk management strategy, especially for the pastoral communities living around Lengai and for the growing tourist activities in this area.