We have extensive experience of conducting both field and office based research, using this research as a basis for project planning, communications, market analysis, strategy development and proposing interventions. Our research and strategic consulting services are varied, based on experience and consist of the following:

• Monitoring and management planning
• Mid Term and Final Evaluations
• Sustainable Livelihood Assessments
• Rapid and Participatory Rural Appraisals (RRA and PRA)
• Baseline socio-economic studies, quantative and qualitative
• Environmental Impact Assessments
• Ecological research, including transects and mapping
• Income Generation Feasibility Studies
• Protected Area Management Planning
• Business planning and market feasibility studies
• Industry and Consumer Market Research
• Strategic market and campaign reports

We are specialists at gathering relevant information in a timely, focused and objective manner, whether through informal discussion and focus groups, face-to-face interviews, semi-structured interviews or more formally organised assessments and appraisals. We also make use of efficient desk research techniques involving telephone interviews, Internet research and literature reviews.

The following brief case studies give some indication of where we have carried out research and strategic consulting in practice.

Sustainable Livelihoods Assessments

In 2009, Kilimanyika undertook a project for IUCN which dealt with entrenching livelihoods enhancement and diversification into Marine Protected Area Management Planning in Tanga, Tanzania. Main elements of this project included gathering primary and secondary information on the current situation in regards to livelihoods development and the level of engagement and interest of communities in marine resources management. The project also aimed to develop a livelihoods enhancement and diversification strategy/plan

The East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) contracted Kilimanyika in 2009 to perform a socioeconomic survey which aimed to provide knowledge and information for the proposed development of community conserved areas within the Shimoni-Vanga area, Kenya. The project intended to develop the institutional capacity, develop management plans such as sustainable fisheries, as well as provide additional incentives for conservation through support for alternative livelihoods linked with marine biodiversity.

In 2009, Kilimanyika worked with Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO) in Kiunga Marine National Reserve (KMNR), to carry out a livelihoods assessment for the Kibodo Trust. The aim of this assessment was to identify marine resource based enterprises that could be taken up within the KMNR area based on an assessment of the status of marine resources and current fishery operations. The project included RRA techniques on the local level with the final output of focused business plans.

In 2007, a group of consultants undertook a household assessment with socio-economic analysis, incorporating widespread field research of community livelihoods in the Magombera Forest in Tanzania. This project was funded by WWF through CEPF and aimed to document baseline information on household profiles, livelihoods issues and measure levels of awareness and assess people’s attitudes and perceptions in four villages around Magombera Forest Reserve.

From 2006-2007, Kilimanyika performed a sustainable livelihoods analysis and threat assessment in the Mahale Ecosystem in Tanzania. This work involved field research on the socio-economic situation of forestry and fisher communities, including the assessment of threats and opportunities to local livelihoods and the ecosystem. This project was funded by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), funded by the EU.

In 2007, Kilimanyika performed a livelihoods and household assessment as well as undertook socio-economic monitoring in the Iyondo landscape in Tanzania. The approach for this project incorporated widespread field research of livelihoods, community finances and proposal of natural resource-based income generation activities. This project was funded by WWF through the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF).

In 2006 a group of consultants undertook a livelihoods and household assessment in the Vidunda Catchment Forest in Tanzania. This household assessment included socio-economic monitoring and incorporating widespread field research of community livelihoods. This project was funded by WWF through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation Norad.

During 2006, Kilimanyika performed a Rural Livelihoods Assessment and proposal of future land use options for the communities of the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. This work provided an overview of the management options available for different forest management zone types, as well as the expected impact of each. This project was funded by WWF through CEPF.

In 2005, Kilimanyika undertook a Sustainable Livelihoods Assessment within Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park in Tanzania. Elements of this project included the identification of resource-based income generation activities for communities. This project was funded by the IUCN with the support of UNDP funds.

In 2005, Kilimanyika worked with The East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) to assess rural fishing communities in Kilifi district, Kenya. This involved carrying out livelihood assessments in two coastal villages identifying and proposing alternative income generation activities (AIGs) for future livelihoods.

In 2005, Kilimanyika performed a sustainable livelihoods assessment and proposal of resource-based income generation activities for fishing communities in Kuruwitu-Vipingo, Kilifi District, Kenya. This assessment involved carrying out livelihood assessments in two coastal villages to assist in identifying and proposing income generation interventions. This project was funded by the East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS), funded by IUCN/UNDP .

Social and Economic Research

In 2009 Kilimanyika completed a landmark CARE-WWF initiative to research and recommend six situations within the Mtwara Development Corridor in southern Tanzania where there is an opportunity for CARE and WWF to make a significant difference. This project utilized innovative conceptual and analytical approaches to conservation and development agendas by focusing on significant dynamics or interaction between livelihoods and landscapes. This study worked on the local, national and international levels to identify drivers of change which significantly influence the environment-livelihoods nexus.

In 2007, Kilimanyika worked with the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) to undertake a sustainable livelihoods analysis and socio-economic data collection in Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Meatu districts within the Serengeti Ecosystem. This study involved research on the mutual impact of protected areas on communities. This project was funded by FZS, funded by the EU.

In 2007, Kilimanyika completed a study which reported on the livelihoods status in settlements and host communities in Western Tanzania. The communities within the scope of study were those of of Ulyankulu in Tabora Region, Katumba and Mishamo settlement in Rukwa region in Tanzania. This project was funded by SA3 Ltd for UNHCR.

Feasibility Studies

In 2007-08 Kilimanyika carried out research to understand the supply chain of the African blackwood tree, known in Swahili as mpingo, and scientifically as dalbergia melanoxylon. Coining the trading name Sound and Fair on behalf of our clients, Environment Africa Trust and The Mpingo Conservation Project, Kilimanyika helped them set up a campaign strategy based on the information we had researched. We looked at the supply chain of musical instruments made from blackwood from the forest to the consumer via various stages of processing, manufacturing and retailing.

Tourism Assessments

In 2008, a team of consultants performed an assessment through field research and analysis of options for engagement of communities in coastal tourism as part of Vilankulo Tourism Master Plan in Mozambique. This project was facilitated by EcoAfrica, funded by World Bank, with Mozambique Government. Kilimanyika's role centred on the development of a strategy for Small Medium Enterprise (SME) interventions within the plan.