February 2026 was a month of significant momentum for AKU's Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER). By bridging the gap between high-level ecological research and grassroots community engagement, the Centre continues to advance its mission of fostering environmental stewardship and academic excellence.
From the Field: The Living Laboratory in Action
AKU-ACER's “Living Laboratory" model remains at the heart of its practical contributions to sustainable agriculture. This month, Community Engagement Training Officer Sosthenes Milobo, alongside AKU-ACER interns Evance Matowo and Luckmonique Mollel conducted critical monitoring of the Bana grass initiative across six villages.
Despite challenges like erratic rainfall and overgrazing, farmers reported a growing awareness of Bana grass as a climate-resilient fodder that improves livestock productivity.
In collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), AKU-ACER launched Phase II of its Biodiversity Study at the Manyara and Two Rivers sites. These findings will directly inform long-term conservation and restoration planning.
Global Scholarship and Institutional Growth
The Centre's reputation as a research hub continues to grow, bolstered by two major international publications this month. Dr Emmanuel Sulle co-authored research in Learning Environments Research examining how AKU-ACER's “Living Lab" design enhances student engagement in climate change education.
Dr Bashir Adelodun co-authored a study in the International Journal of Energy Research regarding advanced genome engineering for algae-based biofuel production.
Institutional ties were also strengthened through a visit from Maynooth University (Ireland), where leaders discussed shared priorities in societal impact and sustainability. Dr Amy Fahy, Assistant Professor of Business and Management and Societal Impact Lead at Maynooth University, and Paolo Cammardella, a Master's student also toured the Arusha campus.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
AKU-ACER recognizes that environmental resilience starts with human resilience. The Arusha campus recently hosted a one-week Science of Early Child Development (SECD) seminar. Dr Sulle noted that the early years shape the emotional and social competence required for long-term community wellbeing. He highlighted that a child's connection with nature is a core element of a thriving society – a message that gained national attention in The Citizen, a leading newspaper in Tanzania.
Conferences and External Engagements
Dr Happiness Moshi, a member of the African Great Lakes (AGL) Science Advisory Committee, participated in a regional conference in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting brought together representatives from Great Lakes Advisory Groups to share knowledge and shape the future of freshwater monitoring, education, and training. Discussions emphasized inclusive, cross-border collaboration and strategies to address gender disparities in water governance.
Dr Emmanuel Sulle attended a learning event focused on integrating climate information into farming systems to strengthen agricultural resilience. Organized by Norges Vel–Tanzania in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), and government stakeholders, the session explored practical approaches to improving climate data use among smallholder farmers.
On the sidelines, Dr Sulle held strategic discussions with TMA, Norges Vel, and WFP representatives to explore collaboration on climate adaptation, food security, and nutrition.
AKU-ACER remains a vital link between scientific innovation and real-world application.
