In Africa Istituto Oikos works in three main areas: the Meru-Kilimanjaro-Amboseli area, between Kenia and Tanzania, the Tarangire-Manyara area in Tanzania and the area between the Tana and the Juba rivers, between Kenia and Somalia. Those territories are all characterized by large natural environment areas, mostly populated by nomads, Maasai in particular, so that human settlements go often beyond the borders of national parks, private and public properties.

Those huge natural systems, where nomads and big mammals (elephants, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles) used to wander around free leading cyclical seasonal migrations, are now threatened because of an irrational land use that is compromising the fragile harmony of the area and increasing poverty. Istituto Oikos, in collaboration with local authorities and communities, has started many programs with the following objectives: encourage the sustainable management of natural resources, support environmental enterprises and improve water supply systems.

Istituto Oikos works on renewable energy as well, to equip public structures with new technologies and to grant energy access in the rural areas.

All the projects are based on the principle that a correct management of the environmental heritage helps local populations in fighting poverty by restoring the harmony between men and nature.

Istituto Oikos works in Tanzania since 1996.

Together with its local partner, Oikos East Africa, it has established an office in Arusha and, since 2003, Mkuru Training Camp, a research and training centre, located in the Maasai Steppe, close to Arusha National Park. Istituto Oikos runs the camp in close collaboration with the Maasai Mkuru community.

The centre is the base camp for all the activities that Oikos realizes in the area. At Mkuru Training Camp Oikos periodically organizes literacy courses for the Maasai community; vocational trainings for women, guides and rangers; internships for local and international students.

Since 2007 Istituto Oikos has expanded its activity in Africa with two new projects on food security and water in Mauritania and Niger.