Research placement in Mozambique

I recently undertook a 6 week independent research placement in Chimanimani, Mozambique, facilitated by The Macaia Foundation (https://micaia.org/) as part of my masters degree.

The Micaia Foundation aims to provide sustainable, economically viable, and secure livelihoods to rural communities in Mozambique, with the end goal being complete self sufficiency without compromising the natural environment and its resources.

My project involved assessing how perceptions towards themes such as conservation, biodiversity, resource management, sustainability, and future prospects have changed in the Chimanimani National Park Buffer Zone since Micaia has been implementing beekeeping initiatives there. Micaia’s beekeeping projects have been occurring in the Buffer Zone since 2008, and have positively impacted the lives of thousands in the region by providing a source of income to local communities, whilst simultaneously having a positive impact on the environment. These projects have been in response to the widespread deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss observed in the Buffer Zone, which has been driven by unsustainable practices such as timber product production, expanding commercial agriculture, charcoal production, and more. This is one of many projects Micaia is involved with in Mozambique.

My Water-to-Go bottle was a game changer out there, as it allowed me to safely drink water no matter where I was, if that was in the field whilst undertaking my research, or in the nearby town Chimoio where the tap water isn’t safe. It helped me save money that would have been spent on bottled water, as well as keeping me healthy for the entire trip.

It was an incredible trip and the bottle allowed me to truly make the most of it.

J – Sheffield