Kansaka Baboon Project Scout Education Fundraiser

The Kasanka Baboon Project (KBP) is affiliated with UMass faculty and students in the Department of Anthropology and related fields. KBP is a long-term field site devoted to studying the behavioral ecology of Kinda baboons in Kasanka National Park (KNP), Zambia. Part of our research includes training and working with KNP scouts, as well as community work. This year we would like to fundraise to help scout Schimo Banda attend wildlife college to earn a certificate in resource management. We want to raise money for Banda’s college fees (approximately $2,000) and travel expenses (e.g., flight, passport, etc., approximately $1,000). This is a total of approximately $3,000, but any additional funds raised would go toward future scout education initiatives.

Banda is interested in conservation and wants to learn more about resource management to help others and protect precious resources in national parks. In particular, he is interested in water quality and plants in the park. Banda is also passionate about engaging with local communities to understand their needs and wants and their use of the game management area (GMA) surrounding the park to assist in park-community relations. By attending this college and earning this certificate, Banda will acquire the practical skills to facilitate effective cooperation with local communities and resource management within the park and GMA. Donating to this cause not only helps Banda by increasing his skill set but will also help future UMass researchers/students interested in working with KBP.  

More about the wildlife college can be found here

More about Kasanka National Park can be found here