The Aga Khan University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, TAWIRI, to benefit research development and informed policy decision making in Tanzania.
The partnership will see the two institutions leverage on the University's land in Arusha for studies on wildlife, including pollinators, beekeeping and bee research for livelihood improvement and environmental conservation.
“Knowledge will be flowing from TAWIRI to AKU and vice-versa. AKU will be sharing its Arusha campus land to enable researchers to investigate a number of important conservation issues, and document research findings. We look forward to bringing our future students to TAWIRI to learn more about your ongoing work, your interventions, and your approach to research," said Dr Carl Amrhein, AKU Provost and Vice President Academics.
AKU is currently working with TAWIRI staff to implement research projects around pollinators and their role in fostering sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.
“We have been working with many other collaborators to implement various research projects – both national and international projects. Currently, TAWIRI is managing more than 20 research projects in various thematic areas. Through research, TAWIRI has managed to contribute significantly to the growth of the tourism industry and livelihoods among the communities especially those living in adjacent protected areas," said Dr Eblate Mjingo, Director General at TAWIRI.
The signing of the agreement was facilitated by AKU's Global Engagement office.
TAWIRI is a parastatal organization under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism responsible for conducting and coordinating wildlife research in Tanzania.
AKU recently established its 3,700-acre Arusha climate and environmental research station in Tanzania. The site is meant to be a “living laboratory" for studies related to climate change, environmental stewardship, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, community engagement and other fields.
