MINISTRY OF FINANCE

INSTITUTE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Kupanga ni Kuchagua

Staff Profile

Mr Christopher N. Mdoe - Assistant Lecturer


Area of Expertise

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA)


Work Experience

Christopher N. Mdoe is works as a Lecturer at the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) – Lake Zone Centre in Mwanza, where he has been serving since 2018. In this capacity, he teaches, supervises research, and coordinates various academic programs related to environmental management, rural development, and gender-responsive policies. His passion for imparting knowledge and engaging with rural communities is evident in his approach to teaching and consultancy.

 

In addition to his academic role, Christopher is a fully registered Environmental Expert with the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) of Tanzania since 2020. In this capacity, he has conducted several environmental impact assessments and contributed to policy development for climate change adaptation and sustainability projects. As an expert, his works with NEMC has sharpened his expertise in sustainable development, focusing on creating environmentally sound strategies that benefit rural communities.

 

Christopher has also worked as a Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Tanzania), where he was involved in high-impact projects centered on Climate-Smart Technologies and interventions, Aquaculture, Development, Poverty Reduction, and Gender & Climate Change. These projects were aimed at promoting sustainable practices in rural Tanzania, ensuring that vulnerable communities can adapt to climate change while improving their livelihoods.

 

Furthermore, his career is highlighted by his extensive involvement in research and consultancy both within IRDP and through collaborations with international organizations. He has led and contributed to projects that explore the transformation of peasant farmers into agribusiness entrepreneurs, focusing on feasibility studies and capacity programmes that aim to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern agribusiness practices. His deep knowledge of gender and community participatory approaches also informs much of his work in rural development and environmental management.


Professional Skills

  • Environmental and Development Integration: Expertise in integrating environmental considerations into development planning and policy frameworks to promote sustainable outcomes.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audits: Proficient in conducting thorough EIAs and audits to evaluate the potential impacts of projects on the environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Participatory Land Use Planning: Skilled in facilitating inclusive land use planning processes that engage stakeholders, ensuring diverse community needs and ecological considerations are addressed.
  • Sustainable Natural Resource Management: Knowledgeable in sustainable practices for managing natural resources, focusing on balance between ecological integrity and community needs.
  • Participatory Natural Resource Management: Experienced in implementing community-based approaches that empower local populations to manage their resources sustainably.
  • Community-Based Approaches: Proficient in utilizing community-driven strategies to foster local involvement in development initiatives and environmental conservation.
  • Community Participation: Strong advocate for active community engagement in decision-making processes, promoting transparency and collective ownership of development outcomes.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Skilled in conducting cost-benefit analyses to assess the economic feasibility and potential impacts of projects, aiding in informed decision-making.
  • Research Methodology: Expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive research methodologies to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Survey Design and Data Analysis: Proficient in designing surveys and conducting rigorous data analysis to extract actionable insights for project planning and evaluation.
  • Capacity Building and Training: Experienced in developing and delivering training programs to enhance community and stakeholder capacity in environmental management and sustainable practices.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Effective in building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, to foster collaboration and support for projects.


Research and academic Interests

Mr. Mdoe is currently pursuing his Ph.D. research at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), focusing on the impact of climate-smart aquaculture practices on the well-being of rural households in Tanzania's Lake Zone regions. His work aims to identify sustainable practices that enhance both environmental resilience and community livelihoods. Additionally, he is interested in affordable and innovative agro-technologies that promote sustainability in rural settings, including cattle fattening techniques, the cultivation of Azolla as a green manure, and the implementation of hydroponic fodder systems, all designed to bolster rural livelihoods.

Dedicated to addressing rural poverty and food insecurity, emphasizes the importance of environmentally sustainable practices as essential tools for improving food security and enhancing the economic well-being of rural communities. He also advocates for integrating gender-responsive approaches into rural development and environmental protection strategies. Recognizing the crucial role of gender equality in fostering sustainable development, promotes initiatives that empower women and ensure their participation in decision-making processes related to resource management and environmental stewardship.