Grassroots African conservation groups struggle to raise funding – report

A new report by Maliasili has shed light on the struggles faced by grassroots African conservation groups in securing adequate funding to protect nature. The study reveals that African conservation entities receive only a small fraction, 5 to 10 per cent, of the private philanthropic funding invested in all of Africa. This deficiency in funding is hindering the efforts of local organizations to make a lasting impact on conservation in the region. Jeremy Hillinghonikirak Melaikasar, Amendment na Afrika outbreaks reproduce, shared insights into the challenges faced by both funders and local organizations in the conservation sector. One of the significant issues identified is the stringent reporting requirements and short-term nature of the funding available. Melaikasar emphasized that conservation is a long-term endeavor, yet the funding often comes in project-based and restrictive forms, leaving little room for organizations to invest in their own growth and capabilities. This lack of resources to build teams and talent hampers the ability of African conservation groups to achieve meaningful impact. The report also highlights barriers faced by funders, including high transaction costs and complex contracting requirements that make it challenging to direct funds to African conservation organizations. Despite efforts to bridge these gaps, there remains a disconnect between funders and local organizations, posing a hurdle in the flow of critical funding needed for conservation efforts. Njenga Kahiro, Director for East Africa Portfolio at Maliasili, delved into the issue of defining African conservation organizations and the importance of supporting those working at the forefront of conservation efforts in the region. Kahiro noted the broad spectrum of organizations claiming to be Africa-focused and highlighted the need to prioritize support for entities that are actively engaged in conservation work within Africa. While acknowledging the contributions of global organizations like WWF and AWF, Kahiro underscored the importance of directing funding towards locally led and operated organizations that are making a direct impact on conservation on the continent. One of the key challenges identified by funders is the issue of transaction costs, which have been cited as a major obstacle in channeling funds to African conservation groups. The discrepancy between the administrative costs retained by intermediary organizations and the actual impact realized by local entities raises questions about the effectiveness of current funding structures. While the issue of capacity within African conservation organizations has long been a point of discussion, there is a growing recognition of the need to adapt funding mechanisms to align with the existing capabilities of these groups. By addressing the barriers to funding flow and reevaluating the distribution of resources, there is an opportunity to enhance the impact of African conservation organizations and drive meaningful change in the conservation landscape.