The Maasai people live in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania. A terrible drought that ended in 2001 devastated Kenya's pasture lands and the Maasai livelihood disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search of better grazing, leaving the women in desperate need of income to support themselves and their children. Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai, decided to help their neighbors. They designed contemporary products that use the natural, sustainable resources around them as well as the expert beading skills of the Maasai women. They work in non-factory settings, often in portable work stations under the Acacia trees. The women like to come and go as their lives dictate. Over 1000 women handcraft the jewelry and receive fair wages. In addition, 5% of all sales go directly back to their local communities for health and education benefits.