The Aga Khan University (AKU) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), and Simon Fraser University (SFU) of Canada to collaborate for environmental research aimed at dealing with the impact of climate change. The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Adolf Mkenda.
“About two thirds of our population depend on agriculture and climate change makes it difficult to guarantee food security and livelihoods. We believe that scientists can do a lot to minimize this impact and maybe in the long run solve the problems,” said Minister Mkenda.
The universities will utilise AKU’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) as a ‘living laboratory’ and the results of the research will inform policy and advance environmental stewardship. AKU-ACER will be open for scientists to conduct collaborative projects as well as faculty and student exchanges.
Building on AKU's existing MoUs, Simon Fraser University also entered into a strategic alliance with NM-AIST, creating a seamless network for collaboration among the four universities. This joint venture will enable knowledge to be shared across the four universities as they innovate together on strategies for climate protection.
NM-AIST Chancellor Issa Omari mentioned that, “Partnerships between Institutions, like friendships between individuals, are built on shared values. And there can be no doubt that NM-AIST and SFU share important values as we are both focused on empowering the society by providing solutions that help the population.”
AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin highlighted that, “Today marks the beginning of a new era… defined by two things above all. The search for solutions to the problem of climate change and environmental sustainability. And a commitment to partnering with institutions that share our desire to generate new knowledge that helps the people of Tanzania and East Africa to thrive on a warming planet.”
As part of the collaboration, AKU is running the first cohort of a field school for students from SFU to investigate the impact of climate change on communities. This has been a practical experience for the students to explore environmental concerns through an interdisciplinary approach that ties to historical and contemporary issues in human-environmental interactions.
“I am thrilled that SFU students will have the unique opportunity to study in Tanzania and engage with the local community to advance climate education and community resilience,” said SFU President Joy Johnson. “Thank you to Aga Khan University for their continued partnership and support—I truly believe that international collaborations are a critical avenue for creating the inclusive and sustainable future we all want to see.”
Facilitated by AKU's Global Engagement Office, the partnerships established today signify a historic moment for AKU in Tanzania. The initiative embodies a holistic strategy to tackle climate change, fostering collaboration between local institutions and global experts to exchange knowledge, skills, and best practices.
Watch highlights from the event here:
