Work

Digital Hubs and Open Research Practices for Transforming Rural Livelihoods: Lessons from Northern Tanzania

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The attached presentation outlines how digital hubs combined with open research practices can support rural transformation and resilience, drawing lessons from Northern Tanzania. It presents the experience of the Digital Hub for Open Research in East Africa, led by NM-AIST in collaboration with Floresta Tanzania, Garissa University (Kenya), African Rural University (Uganda), and INASP (UK). Using co-creation workshops, stakeholder engagement, and document analysis, the initiative improved access to research, strengthened digital skills, and expanded community learning through open science. The work highlights strong community participation, including citizen science, women and youth inclusion, and co-produced innovations such as organic fertiliser blends, low-cost soil testing, and climate-adaptation solutions. Overall, the presentation concludes that digital hubs offer a scalable model for Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing institutional partnerships, open science capacity, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17961452

Authors: Rwiza, Mwemezi, Luoga, Ritha, Aloyce, Agatha, Mushi, Joseph Shabani, Kandola, isack, Mollay, Clara, Lujuo, Gabriel, Rugaika, Anita

Institution: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: ICT in Developing Communities

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Partnerships for the goals, Decent work and economic growth, Climate action, No poverty

Open Access status: green

Funder: Templeton World Charity Foundation