EfD Tanzania organized a vibrant and engaging full-day academic workshop on April 25, 2025, at the University of Dar es Salaam, bringing together EfD research fellows, domestic research associates, and graduate students for a day of knowledge exchange, feedback, and capacity building.
The workshop featured the presentation of EfD-funded research projects and works in progress, providing an excellent platform for peer review and constructive dialogue. A total of 31 participants (18 male and 13 female) attended the event, reflecting a diverse mix of early-career researchers and seasoned academics.
Broad scope of research presented and discussed
The seminar included the presentation of several insightful research papers and early-stage studies.
- “Factors for Poverty Dynamics among Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania” – Presented by Mr. Liberatus Robert Bishangirwa, PhD candidate
- “Effect of Climate Variability on Agricultural Employment, Productivity, and Poverty among Youth in Tanzania” – Presented by Mr. Exaud Joel Pallangyo PhD candidate
- “The Effect of Food Costs on Dietary Diversity: Insights from Rural and Urban Households, Gender Dynamics, and Agricultural Involvement” – Presented by Dr. Martin Chegere, EfD Research Fellow
- “Impact of REDD+ Projects on Household Welfare: Evidence from Mangrove Forests in Zanzibar, Tanzania” – Presented by Dr. Matilda Ntiyakunze, EfD Research Fellow
- “Task Reservations Promote Women's Empowerment and Enhance Household Well-being: Evidence from Externally Funded Projects in India and Tanzania” – Presented by Dr. Yusuph Kulindwa (online) EfD Research Fellow
Provided valuable hands-on skills
In addition to the research presentations, the seminar featured a specialized training session titled “Crash Course on Grant Proposal Writing” by Professor Yonas Alem from the University of Gothenburg and EfD Global Hub. The session included a lecture on understanding the grant landscape, finding the right funding opportunity, and the anatomy of a strong proposal, together with interactive group work and a Q&A component, which provided participants with practical skills how to craft competitive grant proposals.
The workshop was widely appreciated by attendees, especially graduate students who expressed enthusiasm for more regular training in grant proposal writing. Many highlighted that such practical skills are rarely covered in formal academic programs but are critical for advancing their research careers and successfully securing funding.
This event reflects EfD Tanzania’s continued commitment to nurturing academic excellence, fostering collaborative research, and equipping the next generation of scholars with essential skills to contribute meaningfully to development policy in Tanzania and beyond.
By: Salvatory Macha