Protecting the Last of the Akie

PROTECTING THE LAST OF THE AKIE

The Akie or ‘Dorobo’ people don’t have records, but they know from stories passed down through generations that their people have lived in the Kitwai area for hundreds of years. They are an ancient tribe of hunter-gatherers who strive to live today as their ancestors have for many generations. However, difficulties for the Akie way of life began about 10 years ago.

“Climate change has impacted the bees and their honey production, which is a staple in our diet. Also climate change has caused increasing drought in this area, which is impacting the natural food sources available” says local woman Anna. Increasingly we are experiencing issues from outsiders coming onto the land. The serious issues escalated six years ago when farmers began heavily cultivating the land surrounding us, which destroyed our natural food sources. Before UCRT came, people from Kiteto began demarcating the area by painting trees within our traditional Akie lands to claim them. Then our village reported our issues to the local government at Kitwai A” - Anna local villager.

“The CCRO process has increased communication with surrounding communities and built reciprocal relationships for land use. My son Elias is 13 years old. He has been involved in hunting with his father since he was 6 years old. I’m so happy and excited to see our land protected, so that I can wish for this land to remain for my son’s future."
- Anna, local villager, Kitwai B