Description

In the early 1980s Kenya began a process of privatizing its open grazing land into group ranches. This significant land-use change has forced traditionally nomadic, pastoral peoples, including the Maasai, to adapt to more sedentary agro-pastoral lifestyles that confine them to smaller plots of land. The Maasai, a proud and historically self-sufficient society are now facing many social, political, economic, and environmental challenges. The result has increased their vulnerability to disease and famine, and they frequently rely on relief food and scarce water resources to survive.

This major shift from nomadicism to pastoralism in East Africa has brought about new health problems for the Maasai, including an escalation in sanitation-related and water-borne diseases, infant and childhood disease, and HIV/AIDS. Access to quality health care, both physically and culturally, poses a critical issue for this predominantly rural population. The fact that there are virtually no baseline data on Maasai public health status in southern Kenya adds another dimension to this public health challenge.

In Kenya, nearly 80% of the population, including the Maasai, still depends on herbal medicine -- it remains an important source of treatment, particularly for rural communities. The World Health Organization's global strategy includes popularizing and incorporating herbal medicine in the national health systems of member countries. Consequently, Kenya is developing a national policy that will incorporate herbal medicine in its health provision strategy. Students participating in this SFS course may provide a vital link between the needs of the Maasai and Kenya's national health strategy.

Highlights

This course will introduce students to rural health issues in Kenya, emphasizing the links between health and environment, and community-based health care and modern medicine. Students will gain experience in assessing and analyzing public health and environmental concerns in Maasai communities in partnership with local community-based health organizations.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Inquire for more info

Experience Required

yes

College Undergraduates: No academic prerequisite; High School Students: 16 years of age, good academic standing, completion of at least junior year of high school.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-6

Scholarships are Available

SFS scholarships; Low and 0% interest loans

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

a few weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

The School for Field Studies's Mission Statement

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

Year Founded

1980