Poverty reduction and economic empowerment programs seek to:

• Develop the human resources of the Maasai community through career skills development
• Increase economic diversity by improving and supporting income generating activities with emphasis on women-and youth-owned and operated businesses
• Create, imporve and support the production and marketing of Maasai artifacts and livestock products
• Identify opportunities for fair trade of crafts
• Drill wells for schools and communities

ELAND Maasai Women Project
Women in Kenya have limited economic option available to them. Maasai women struggle to sustain their families by selling firewood, milk, beadwork and charcoal. Alternative production modes are minimal. Capital and human resources that are needed to spur other production avenues are scarce.

ELAND Maasai Women support themselves through the sale of beadwork. Eland women work together to eradicate poverty and educate their children. Proceeds from the sale of beadwork help to cover school fees, text books expenses and provides needed food. Maasai women have maintained their art work for centuries.

The Maasai women have been the preservers, the guardians and the protectors of the culture and traditions. They are the professors of the Maasai language and make sure it is passed to future generations. These illiterate women use their only valuable skills to sustain themselves economically.

The money from the sales is extremely valuable to the community. Empowerment of women helps to change perceptions of gender roles in the community. By earning money themselves, the ELAND Maasai women raise their status in their families and communities.