Who We AreThe Ogiek People's Development Program [OPDP] was founded in 1999 so as to provide a springboard from which Ogiek community can take a lead role in articulating and advancing their developments, aspirations, priorities and social needs and constantly engaging the government and other shareholders on these issues.
The Ogiek people are a hunter gatherer group and solely depend on the forest for food, medicine, shelter and preservation of their culture. Ogiek means ‘ caretaker of all’ of plants and animals, or scientifically the flora and fauna. The Maasai nicknamed them “ iltorobo” that meant a poor person without herds of cattle. Ogiek being foresters and conservators of nature, they are found in places where tress, birds and wild animals provides them with psychological comfort. Ogiek population is estimated to be approximately 20,000 people, though no exact census have been done clearly targeting this endangered community. Majority of its members live in Mau forest, in the great Rift Valley Province. Due to their small in number, the Ogiek have been an easy target for all kinds of frustrations including those seeking land on which to farm or graze.
What We DoThe OPDP is dedicated to the Ogiek culture, Protection of nature and the improvement of socio-economic opportunities by way of building the synergies of the Ogiek youth and women through education. O.P.D.P gives attention to the special needs of persons with disability, the youth, the elderly, social justice, peace, family stability and food security. Its pioneer project area covers all Ogiek inhabited areas.We advocate and lobby on Ogiek issues at all levels i.e. local, national regional and international by:
• Advance and lobby for policies, laws and practices that advance the course/ position of Ogiek and hunter gatherers development
• To strengthen the institutional capacity of Ogiek peoples organization for effective advocacy and development.
We coordinate learning and sharing of knowledge skills and experiences between and among Ogiek’s organizations and key stakeholders through:
• Working with Ogiek community and hunter gatherers organizations in facilitating conflict management in order to create a conducive environment for sustainable development for hunter gatherers areas
• Dissemination of information and facilitate research on issues related to Ogiek development
• Facilitate linkage between Ogiek and OPDP organization and donors or other sources of funding
• Establish a census for all the Ogiek population in their inhibited areas
We enhance gender equity/parity in all aspects of Ogiek community development including access, ownership/ inheritance through:
• Promotion of research in gender
• Promoting integration of gender in decision making process
• Gender mainstreaming
vision
OPDP endeavours to create an environment of tranquility upon which human life and nature prospers for posterity.
Mission
OPDP is dedicated to preserve, promote and protect Ogiek Culture, Environment and Human Rights with an overall aim of improving socio-economic opportunities to all without gender bias.
How to Contact Us
OGIEK PEOPLES` DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (OPDP)
Executive Director: Daniel M. Kobei
Nyamakoroto Hs. 2nd floor Rm. 210
Biashara Street - NAKURU / P.O BOX 424-20115 Egerton
E-mail:
Other e-mail:
Phone: +254-51-2213803
Mobile: +254-722-433-757
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