Winter Amp - Tanzania

Given the collaborative and equity-focused design of Global STEWARDS, I hope to engage with Tanzanian experts to increase my understanding of research and conservation outside of the Global North. My goal is to apply my work on modeling forest changes in response to climate change on a global scale. Collaborating with the researchers at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) will enhance my knowledge on conducting research, specifically in Tanzania, and more generally in the Global South. As forests serve as a vital food, energy, and water sources for rural residents in the Global South, protecting them is crucial in the face of climate change, deforestation, and other emerging issues. 

I’m excited to travel to Tanzania because it provides a unique chance to explore the intersection of water sustainability and atmospheric boundary layer dynamics, which is my area of expertise. After researching the work being done by MUST and CultivAid, I believe this experience will offer valuable insights into sustainable water reuse solutions for irrigation in off-grid communities. I am particularly interested in how water management systems affect local microclimates and interact with atmospheric boundary layer dynamics—specifically, how they impact moisture fluxes, surface-atmosphere interactions, and temperature gradients. This understanding is vital for my ongoing research into how the boundary layer adapts in different environmental conditions, especially in regions like Tanzania that are vulnerable to climate change. Beyond the technical insights, the opportunity to collaborate with local experts and communities will offer fresh perspectives on how innovative water systems can mitigate climate impacts. 

During my visit to Tanzania, I aim to acquire knowledge on the access and adoption of innovations that enhance sustainable soil nutrient management and recycling. These include cover crops; farmers' expertise in crop rotation that reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals; and small-scale, efficient irrigation technologies that minimize nutrient seepage, thereby preventing the contamination of rivers and wells. Engaging with organizations like Cultivaid and MUST will help me understand the collaboration between research institutions with government ministries, departments, and stakeholders in a pluralistic framework that facilitates the expansion of FEW resources to farmers. This experience will provide practical insights into the challenges of adopting sustainable practices. 

I hope that my experience in Tanzania will show new approaches in agricultural innovations that enhance production and income, creating resilience to climate change. I look forward to learning how our Tanzania equips its younger generations and the rural community with critical thinking, innovation, and leadership so that they are able to optimize Tanzania’s potential. This trip will enrich my research on how anaerobic digestion could contribute green electricity to support local off-grid communities. My trip to Tanzania will be a bridge for my learning experience to connect sustainability in agricultural practices with leadership that empowers the local community to collectively cope with climate change and continue our efforts to protect mother earth as a safe place for us and future generations.

I aim to engage with local experts, community members, and researchers to learn about the unique challenges they face and the adaptive strategies they have developed, particularly in water management. Gaining their insights will enhance my research by providing practical perspectives and case studies that go beyond the literature, grounding my work in real-life contexts. The trip will broaden my research perspective by understanding the intersection of climate adaptation and public health across diverse cultural and environmental settings. It would also foster valuable cross-cultural communication skills and partnerships, further strengthening my ability to translate my research into actionable solutions that benefit similar communities. Ultimately, participating in this trip aligns perfectly with my goal of addressing complex, real-world issues that bridge environmental and public health fields.