Tanzania calls on scholars’ teamwork in addressing climate change challenges

MOROGORO: TANZANIA has stressed the importance of collaboration among universities in addressing climate change challenges while citing the positive results gained from such research.

This was revealed during a meeting of researchers and lecturers from five universities who gathered in Morogoro to seek solutions to challenges fueled by climate change, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, health, and water access.

Of the universities participating, four are from Tanzania and one is from Canada.

Opening the conference, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo, stressed the importance of collaboration among universities in addressing climate change challenges while citing the positive results gained from such research.

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“We have already seen direct results from research, for example, here in Morogoro, where farmers have begun adopting new farming methods thanks to SUA’s education and research. This is proof that university research can save lives and transform communities,” she said.

Speaking at the conference, the Vice Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Prof Raphael Chibunda, said the goal is not to conduct research that remains on shelves, but to generate solutions that directly impact people’s lives.

Under the theme ‘More than Surviving: Building Inclusive and Resilient Communities Against Climate Change, ’ Mr Chibunda said that their goal is to help communities be prepared to confront global challenges resulting from climate change.

Additionally, he stated that SUA has continued to lead in research on forests, environment, and wildlife conservation, including studies on alternative energy to reduce the use of charcoal and firewood, as well as sustainable farming practices that are not harmful to land and forests.

For his part, the Vice Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Prof Maulilio Kipanyula, said the collaboration will yield new technological innovations in the fight against climate change.