The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), in collaboration with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), has spearheaded the creation of a specialized initiative under the National Fund for the Advancement of Science and Technology (NFAST). This initiative is specifically designed to bolster climate research efforts in Tanzania.
The climate research program orchestrated by COSTECH and NORAD is characterized by its emphasis on providing financial support in the form of grants. These grants are directed towards interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research teams, fostering ambitions aimed at addressing the far-reaching impacts of climate change. The primary focus is on developing innovative hypotheses that can be rigorously tested and experimented with in real-world scenarios at the district or regional scale.
A distinctive feature of the program is the commitment to upscaling evidence-based adaptation solutions. This involves taking successful strategies and interventions derived from experimental settings and extending their application to other regions beyond the initial areas of experimentation. By doing so, the program aims to ensure a broader and more widespread impact on climate change adaptation efforts.
The overarching objective of the COSTECH climate research program is to generate contextually relevant knowledge on climate change adaptation and mitigation. This knowledge is intended to be harnessed and utilized by a diverse range of stakeholders, including both governmental and non-governmental entities, operating at various levels within Tanzanian society. The program envisions the translation of research findings into actionable insights that can inform policies and practices, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable response to the challenges posed by climate change. Through this comprehensive approach, the initiative aims to contribute significantly to building a more climate-resilient and adaptive Tanzania.
Click here for more information