About Us
The Pastoralists Resilience Development Initiative (PAREDI) is an indigenous nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in Samburu, Northern Kenya that seeks to empower pastoralist communities by addressing the unique challenges they face in a rapidly changing environment. Registered with the Public Benefits Organizations Regulatory Authority in Kenya in June 2024, PAREDI was conceived in response to the growing need for sustainable solutions in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. Pastoralist communities, which rely heavily on livestock and natural resources, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, environmental degradation, market volatility, and socio-economic marginalization.
Through a multifaceted, community-driven approach, PAREDI aims to strengthen the resilience of pastoralist communities by promoting sustainable rangeland management, enhancing livelihood opportunities, improving access to education and healthcare, and fostering climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Additionally, PAREDI prioritizes research, knowledge management, and institutional strengthening to ensure that interventions are data-driven and sustainable over the long term.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Mission
PAREDI’s mission is to strengthen the resilience of pastoralist communities in Kenya through sustainable rangeland management, enhanced livelihoods, education, healthcare, and climate change adaptation, while promoting research and institutional capacity building.
Vision
PAREDI envisions a thriving, resilient, and self-reliant pastoralist society that can sustainably manage its natural resources, access equitable socio-economic opportunities, and adapt to changing climatic and environmental conditions.
Core Values
- Community Empowerment: PAREDI believes that true and sustainable development must be driven by the communities themselves. All interventions are designed with active community participation, ensuring that they are culturally relevant and locally accepted.
- Equality: PAREDI upholds the principle of equal opportunities for all, ensuring that its programs and initiatives are inclusive, particularly for marginalized pastoralist communities, women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The organization actively promotes fairness in access to resources and services.
- Transparency: PAREDI is committed to openness and honesty in its operations, ensuring accountability to donors, partners, and the communities it serves. This includes clear communication of goals, progress, and use of resources.
- Innovation: PAREDI promotes innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges faced by pastoralist communities, from new agricultural practices to renewable energy technologies.
- Responsibility: PAREDI takes responsibility for the well-being of the communities it serves. This includes ethical decision-making, accountability for actions, and a strong commitment to delivering on its promises.
- Sustainability: Long-term sustainability is at the heart of PAREDI’s work. Every project is designed to create lasting impact by promoting environmental stewardship, economic independence, and community ownership.
- Integrity: PAREDI is committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all its engagements, ensuring that resources are used effectively and for the intended purposes.
- Result-Oriented Approach: PAREDI focuses on achieving tangible outcomes that improve resilience in pastoralist communities. The organization sets clear objectives and measures progress, aiming for impactful, sustainable changes in livelihoods, rangeland management, and community resilience.
- Collaboration and Complementarity: Partnerships are central to PAREDI’s approach. By working with local governments, international donors, academic institutions, and private sector players. It ensures that its efforts complement those of other programs, maximizing the benefits to pastoralist communities without duplication of efforts and ensure the sustainability of its interventions.
Our history
Dr. Geoffrey Lelenguyah, a trailblazing figure from the Lkunono, an indigenous minority and marginalized community of the Samburu ethnic group, made history as the first individual among the Lkunonos to earn a PhD. Growing up in a pastoralist environment, he witnessed firsthand the myriad challenges faced by indigenous communities, which fueled his determination to bring meaningful change. His extensive work with both Government and Non-Governmental organizations provided him with valuable insights into the service delivery gaps that left pastoralists marginalized, and he knew that action was imperative.
In 2021, during his PhD studies, Dr. Lelenguyah conceived the idea for the Pastoralists Resilience Development Initiative (PAREDI) with a mission to uplift pastoralist communities through targeted, sustainable interventions. After years of dedicated groundwork, PAREDI was officially registered with Kenya’s Public Benefits Organizations Regulatory Authority on June 25, 2024.
PAREDI focuses on five thematic areas: Sustainable Rangeland and Natural Resources Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, Market Systems and Enterprise Development, Pastoralists Children Education for Resilience Building, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Research, Knowledge Management, and Institutional Strengthening. Each area embodies Dr. Lelenguyah’s holistic approach to fostering resilience and self-reliance among pastoralists.
Through PAREDI, Dr. Lelenguyah champions initiatives such as sustainable rangeland management and economic empowerment, while also emphasizing the importance of climate adaptation strategies. His particular passion for education shines through the organization’s efforts to promote pastoralist children’s schooling, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to navigate an evolving world.
Guided by a deep connection to his roots and an unwavering commitment to social justice, Dr. Lelenguyah’s leadership is transforming the lives of many. His tireless efforts empower pastoralist communities and serve as a beacon of hope for future generations, illustrating the profound impact of education, collaboration, and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Organizational Structure
PAREDI is governed by a Board of Directors composed of experts in pastoralist development, climate change adaptation, and governance. The board provides strategic oversight and ensures that the organization adheres to its mission and values. The day-to-day operations of PAREDI are managed by an Executive Director, who is supported by a team of program managers, field officers, and administrative staff.