This summer, I undertook an internship with the Indigenous Movement for Peace and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT), an organization based in Nanyuki, Kenya. It is a key partner of the Institutional Canopy of Conservation (I-CAN) project, a research initiative directed by Â鶹AV. As a third-year student in Economics and International Development with a particular interest in climate change and conflict analysis, this was a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge of topics I had previously encountered in a classroom setting. My main goal for this internship was to get hands-on experience to better understand the real-life challenges associated with theoretical concepts. I was also looking forward to field research, which sadly did not take place due to the remote nature of the internship. Nevertheless, I had a very positive and enriching experience.
Located in the Laikipia region in Northern Kenya, IMPACT works with Indigenous Peoples to develop climate change adaptation practices and support their interests with regards to land rights and governance. It tackles issues surrounding resource conflicts, as well as the exploitation of land without adequate benefits to Indigenous communities. As resources become scarce and inter-community tensions arise in the region, IMPACT works on peace-building initiatives and livelihoods enhancement. One of its well-established projects, the Camel Caravan, is held yearly during summer months to raise awareness about sharing resources equitably and co-existing peacefully. IMPACT actively provides support to various stakeholders by holding conservation workshops and trainings on human rights and the environment.
My work revolved around supporting the IMPACT team in a variety of capacities, and for numerous projects consistent with their general goals. The main tasks I accomplished can be divided into the following four categories:
- Setting up an online fundraiser for COVID-19 relief — This fundraiser aimed to help pastoralist and Indigenous communities of Northern Kenya in the context of COVID-19, by supporting IMPACT’s awareness-building initiatives and the distribution of personal protective equipment in remote areas. This project included selecting images, coming up with a description for the fundraiser and setting up an IMPACT fundraising account, which will now be used for future fundraisers.
- Editing and working on various documents — I edited internal and external reports, policy briefs and field reports. My work on these documents included substantial restructuring and reformatting, as well as rewording and proofreading.
- Crafting a concept note for a future microfinance initiative — At the beginning of the internship, IMPACT notified us of a potential microfinance initiative to be implemented later on. At that point, the project was limited to a basic idea and lacked any substantial details. My co-intern and I worked collaboratively with IMPACT staff to flesh out the concept, and then prepared a concept note to be handed out to potential investors and partners.
- Building a new website for IMPACT — After it became apparent that the IMPACT website was outdated and inadequate, I spearheaded the creation of an entirely new website, in line with their long-term goals. My co-intern and I worked collaboratively on creating the content for this website.
Given the remote nature of the internship, I was worried about not being able to support IMPACT in a significant manner. Looking back, I feel that my work has in fact been very useful, both in helping for daily tasks and supporting their overarching goals. Learning to work remotely was a challenge, especially in terms of communication with the IMPACT team at the beginning of the summer. My biggest tip would be to quickly establish a schedule for frequent meetings and to take initiative, even more so than during in-person internships.
Looking at the bigger picture, I believe that this internship has allowed me to develop skills that will undoubtedly be useful as I begin my career. It has cemented my interest for working within NGOs and my desire to work abroad. It also has given me the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research, which I will undertake for credit in the fall under Professor Daniel Douek’s supervision. My essay will focus on the nexus between climate change and resource-based conflicts in Northern Kenya, a topic that I wish to explore further during my graduate studies.
Although I did not have to cover travel expenses, the funding I received through the Carol and Lloyd Darlington Arts Internship Award was instrumental in allowing me to work with IMPACT in a full-time capacity throughout the duration of the internship. I am deeply thankful to Carol and Lloyd Darlington for generously funding this internship.
