Hunger and Poverty

Researchers in Tanzania and at Michigan State University are working together to better understand the complex and interconnected issues of hunger and poverty.

• Conducted several studies on the causes of hunger and poverty, and how communities are responding. Examined the productivity of current agricultural practices in Milola, and the impact of drought and climate variability on food availability and poverty in Naitolia.
• Completed fieldwork for an in-depth study on the impacts of drought on households and their agricultural livelihoods in Naitolia. Completed research report and currently working to link findings to other climate and ecological data.

Health and Water

A team of faculty and graduate students from University of Dar es Salaam and Michigan State University are studying issues affecting access to clean, safe water and the impacts on health and livelihoods.

• Conducted two studies on cultural and social factors affecting water use, management and health practices.
• Continued research on livestock diseases and shared results on tick-borne diseases with villagers in Naitolia.

School and Education

The TPP team is developing a common framework using schools as a central focus to assess the impacts of several program activities on the lives of children and families in the villages of Milola and Naitolia.

• Collected baseline health data for primary school students in both villages.
  • Tanzania Student Health Assessment (PDF)* by Patricia Peek DNP, PNP-BC, associate professor, Michigan State University College of Nursing
• Exploring obstacles to early childhood development in Tanzania (PDF)* by Kristin Phillips and Laura Andresen, Michigan State University
• Completed research on school gardens and published the findings in a book chapter, “Cultivating Schools for Rural Development: Labor, Learning, and the Challenge of Food Sovereignty in Tanzania”  (PDF)*by Kristin Phillips and Daniel Roberts
• Linked new research on school gardens and the value they provide to community development in rural Tanzania.
• Developed teaching materials on school gardens and other educational topics.

Climate Change

• Socio-cultural and Environmental Challenges in Northern Tanzania (PDF)* by Prof. Pius Yanda Institute of Resources Assessment (IRA), University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

Animal Health

An interdisciplinary team of scientists have embarked on a long-term research collaboration to better understand the effects of climate change on the health of animals and the resulting impact on a rural community's livelihood.

Research presentation (PDF)* in collaboration with Michigan State University, University of Dar Es Salaam and Sokoine University
• Objective 1: A retrospective study of the association between historic trends in climate change with cattle disease and production.
• Objective 2: A longitudinal study of the effects of climate on livestock health and production after the implementation of disease interventions (supplemental watering and cattle tick dips).