Tanzania Field School

In July 2024, Dr. Tammara Soma and Belinda Li led a field school to Tanzania in partnership with Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate Environmental Research Centre (ACER). The theme of the field school was Climate Resilient Food Systems and Sustainable Development. In this immersive experience, eight undergraduate students learned about community-centred food systems that contribute to climate resilience and food justice. Based at ACER, the students learned about permaculture farming at the campus demonstration plots and ate foods from the campus farm in the daily meals provided by the canteen. The group visited different communities around Arusha to learn about traditional and modern food practices, such as pastoralism, permaculture, organic agriculture, and beekeeping. As part of a stay at the Nashipay Maasai eco boma, the students experienced the Maasai way of life firsthand and worked directly with the community on a cultural preservation and heritage project. The students assisted with documenting important cultural artifacts and their significance through photos and interviews with Elders.

Video compilation of interviews with Elders on important cultural artifacts.

Student Photovoice Project

Throughout the field school, students took photos and reflected on their learning journey. Their photos and reflections are featured in a photovoice book.

Download the Photovoice Book

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