Paige Balcom

Have you ever wondered how a participatory climate risk assessment process looks like? 🌱 Have a look at the summary of my research titled Small Farming Households and Climate Resilience in Rwanda for the Nutrition in City Ecosystems (NICE) project ➡ https://lnkd.in/ddB_Herc. The research wouldn't be possible without the support of Sophie van den Berg, Dominique Barjolle, Straton HABUMUGISHA and Andrew Challinor. 🇷🇼 This research for my Master's thesis explored how climate change threatens the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Rusizi Rwanda and looked at the potential of agroecology to improve climate adaptation and food security. 🧑🏾‍🌾 My research involved a mixed-method climate risk assessment using FAO-developed resilience tool, SHARP+, and qualitative data. During my fieldwork in Rwanda, I organised a participatory workshop with local experts in climate change and agriculture. 🥕 NICE project is doing an amazing job now with implementing agroecological climate-smart interventions to provide better food security and nutrition to local populations in urban and peri-urban areas of Rwanda! Check out Sight and Life posts to see more. Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation | Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute | ETH Zürich | World Food System Center, ETH Zurich | Sight and Life

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Once again calling for Assistance: Research on Clean Energy Innovation I am conducting research on the systemic factors affecting the flow of development finance, specifically in the form of climate finance, and its impact on scaling clean energy innovation. My focus is on youths and women within the clean energy ecosystem in Kisumu County and the Nyanza region. I'm currently in the preliminary stages of understanding how finance influences the scalability of clean energy technologies among women and youth entrepreneurs. If you're involved in the clean energy sector—whether as a distributor, producer, manufacturer, supplier, agent, or seller—especially if you deal with products from companies like Sunking, d.light, and others, I’d love to connect with you. Please click and share this link to participate in this survey https://lnkd.in/dFuuGY9M #CleanEnergy #ClimateFinance #Innovation #Kisumu #Nyanza #WomenInEnergy #YouthInEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #EnergyAccess Nyalore Impact Limited

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This research focuses on new thinking to better understand factors influencing financing models for scalability of clean energy businesses. As a clean energy business entrepreneur, your participation is highly appreciated.I look forward to a new paradigm shift in enhancing locally led development and how best finance can be channelled to clean energy businesses particularly among women entrepreneurs. Start up capital, working capital and investment capital across the clean energy business supply chain is a major challenge to entrepreneurs particularly women.

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In this article I argue that resilience initiatives must address diverse community needs (Who), avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding why systems are less resilient involves assessing internal and external factors, such as poverty or infrastructure (Why). Timing (When) is crucial, in determining when to restore or transform systems in response to changing climate conditions. hashtag #Share

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Exciting News: I have joined DUCE as a Part-Time Lecturer! In April 2024, I began an incredible journey as a part-time lecturer at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), where I teach Communication and Reporting Skills for Evaluators within the MA Development Evaluation program. This course equips students with crucial models and strategies for navigating complex communication challenges specific to evaluation contexts. Over just three class sessions, I have already felt the profound impact of engaging with eager minds. We explore practical skills essential for planning and executing effective communication strategies and crafting impactful evaluation reports. Teaching is profoundly fulfilling for me, echoing the legacy of my parents who were dedicated primary school teachers. In stepping into this role, I aim to honour their memory and contribute positively to the community. This new chapter has prompted me to reflect deeply on the art of teaching. I am keenly observing what makes an educator effective, drawing lessons from both exemplary and less favourable teaching attributes. I am curious to hear about your experiences: 1) What practices made your lecturers memorable? 2) What aspects of their teaching did you find less effective? I look forward to reading your insights and learning from them! #CommunicationSkills #EvaluationReporting #TeachingJourney #LegacyofTeaching #EffectiveEducation #ReflectiveTeaching #TeachingMemories #StudentEngagement #ContinuousLearning #EvaluationSkills #DevelopmentEvaluation

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Publication Alert 📢 📢 !! Exciting Research Findings from my desk on Water, Sanitation, and Intimate Partner Violence in Kibra Slums, Nairobi 🌍 I'm thrilled to share this pivotal study that focused into the association between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in the Kibra slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The study highlights the significant health and social challenges posed by IPV, particularly in slum areas with limited access to basic amenities.The study underscores the importance of enhancing access to clean water and sanitation within households to mitigate the risk of IPV. It suggests that infrastructural improvements in slum areas could be a crucial step in protecting women from violence and promoting their overall well-being.Let's drive awareness and action to address these critical issues and support initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in marginalized communities. Together, we can make a difference! #AmrefInternationalUniversity #AfricanPopulationandHealthResearchCentre

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Looking forward to robust conversations in a few hours ⏳ The 3rd International Society for Sanitation Studies Annual Conference (ISSS AC2024) is happening on November 26, 2024 from 10:00 to 16:00 JST (03:00-09:00 Central African Time). This year’s theme: “Glocal (global/local) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Menstrual Health among Diverse Populations.” 🌍 📌1 oral based on an MPH project 📌1 poster based on a 4th year project 📌1 poster based on my PhD research #WaSH #BachelorEnvironmentalHealth #MasterPublicHealth #PhDPublicHealth #MenstrualHygiene #SDG3 #SDG6 #SDG11

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Happy to be part of the team that contributed to the development of the technical brief on the integration work in Family Planning, Adolescent Health, and Biodiversity Conservation in Fisheries. I provided input on issues in the sector highlighting areas requiring linkages. The work demonstrates how sectors such as Health and Environment need to collaborate for optimal impact, resulting in access to services such as FP and Health for economic gains and improved livelihoods within the fishing communities https://bit.ly/4cCrogv

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How can research be designed to inform practical adaptation? Presenting for The Walker Institute recently prompted me reflect on this. I recapped a paper which integrated findings from a major research project that aimed to improve the use of climate information in decision-making. The paper has many elements designed to generate decision-relevant insights for long-term sustainable river basin development. I profiled the following design features. 1) Address practitioner demand: focus on the near-term future; define a clear problem statement (what are you trying to achieve, for whom?); conduct extensive stakeholder consultation (identify priority concerns and decision-making context); produce a range of outputs; and, innovate in communicating and visualising findings. 2) ‘End to end’ interdisciplinary analysis captures nuance: spanning a well-informed understanding of climate information and its relevance for decisions, through stakeholder-informed impacts assessment, to engagement with stakeholders on operational contexts. 3) Consider political economy factors, they often underpin decisions and outcomes: this requires understanding of organisational responsibilities and their horizontal and vertical relationships; and stakeholder interactions and visualisations can promote understanding between different stakeholder perspectives and attitudes to risk – in the case of the paper, trade-offs between water, energy and food sector performance objectives. There is no blueprint for achieving impact through adaptation research but take a look at how we (Christian Siderius, Ajay Bhave, Julien Harou, martin todd, Rachel James and others) approached it 🙂 https://lnkd.in/ewHGUMDw

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🌍 **New Research Alert!** 🌍 I'm excited to announce that our latest research article, titled *"Assessment of Fishes, Sediment, and Water from Some Inland Rivers Across the Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria for Microplastics,"* has just been published in the journal *Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology*. 🔬 **Key Highlights:** - This is the first comprehensive study on microplastics (MPs) across Nigeria's inland rivers. - We examined rivers from all six geopolitical zones: Yauri, Benue, Argungu, Jamare, Ogun, Ethiope, and Orashi. - Microplastics were found in all samples (fishes, sediments, and water), with fibers being the most common shape. - Key pollutants identified include PET, PP, PE, PA/Nylon, PVA, and PVC. - The study underscores the critical need for improved waste management and environmental conservation efforts. 🔗 **Read the full article here:** [https://lnkd.in/ef5MACB9) This research is a significant step towards understanding and mitigating the impact of plastic pollution in Nigeria's aquatic ecosystems. Let's work together to protect our environment! #Microplastics #EnvironmentalResearch #Nigeria #PlasticPollution #SustainableFuture #ScienceForChange ---

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In my recent article published in Fast Company, I reiterated the need for a paradigm shift in global aid models. Not long ago, torrential rains and floods caused a devastating impact in my beloved country Kenya, killing at least 300 people and displacing more than 300,000. In the article, I argued that global aid should shift towards local responders and community-based organizations, like SHOFCO, which have extensive networks of local volunteers. These organizations can coordinate efforts and mobilize more quickly than International NGOs. #GlobalAid

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I am delighted to share that we will be collaborating with Youth Care Africa on a meaningful environmental and educational project in Kenya. Together, our organizations will be planting trees and educating communities about the importance of climate action, in line with our commitment to combating climate change and protecting the environment for future generations. Our participation in this project will not only contribute to Youth Care Africa's efforts but will also enable us to make a positive impact in the fight against climate change. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated and innovative organization in Kenya. #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalEducation #TreesForKenya #ClimateChangeMitigation #ClimateSolutions #UNFCCC #YouthCareAfrica #CSIInKenya #EarthDay2024 #Sustainability #CarbonFootprint #ClimateChangeAdaptation #RenewableEnergy #Climatesolutioninternational #CSIProject

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🌟 Publication Alert! 🌟 I am thrilled to announce that my 2nd PhD paper, "An Afrocentric Approach to Climate Change Adaptation: Indigenous Seasonal Predictors Among Ndau People in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe", has been accepted for publication in the journal Disaster Prevention and Management! 🎉 This study explores how indigenous knowledge systems among rural Zimbabwean communities, particularly the Ndau people, serve as a vital resource for seasonal prediction and climate resilience. Using Afrocentric methodologies, the research highlights: ✅ Indigenous practices of naming months and categorizing rainfalls. ✅ Weather forecasting based on observations of flora and fauna. ✅ The intertwined relationship between these practices and food security amidst climate change. The findings underscore the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific meteorology to create more effective and culturally relevant climate adaptation strategies. This publication represents a step forward in recognizing the value of Africa's indigenous wisdom in addressing global challenges like climate change. 🌍 A huge thank you to my supervisor and co-author, Prof. Tiina Kontinen who supported this work and the editorial team at Disaster Prevention and Management! #ClimateChangeAdaptation #IndigenousKnowledge #Afrocentricity #Research #Sustainability #Resilience #Zimbabwe

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https://lnkd.in/dUmfYtJ4 Engaging communities empowers ICPAC's initiatives are bearing fruits as farmers are building capacity to make informed choices on livelihoods streams . This goes along way cutting losses related to poor agriculture decisions hence reducing stress that would fuel mental health challenges further complicating families, societies issues including increasing the burden of disease. This goes along way in contributing to SDGs on climate, health and wellbeing , food security and gender.

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I hold firm thoughts that, we, the people on the ground can sustain ourselves through #value_adding our raw materials. This not only boosts our financial capability but also raises our countries’ GDP. However, #enablers such as #industries, #industries, #skills, #energy, and #food are needed to actualize this. As a bridge, international efforts through the Official Development Assistance #ODA come in handy. I was very fortunate to attend this webinar where great speakers Unpacked ODA, current data, trends, and its possible futures. Insights into ODA vs Integrated Climate Finance were also shared. #ODA includes the financial assistance given by governments and other governmental organizations to promote #sustainabledevelopment and deal with #urgentglobalissues including #education, #health, and #climatechange. ODA has been rising steadily over the last few years, reaching a record high of US$223.7 billion in 2023. However, there is a current glooming fear that #ODA funding is about to decline following the recent budget cuts by several donors. What are your thoughts on #ODA and what other funding strategies would you recommend now that we might be losing on the ODA funding? #sustainablefinance for #sustainabledevelopment I even got a certificate! 😎🥂

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We have expanded our Cheetah Project in Kenya to a larger area covering two conservancies, and have opened applications for January, July, and August 2025.   The Cheetah Project is geared towards young adults who would like to gain experience and work with our team to identify cheetahs, conduct a census, determine territory, document behavior, and use specialized software for GPS locating. The ideal candidate would be someone who is in the process of, or has completed their degree in a wildlife conservation-related field and who wants to gain practical experience in the field with cheetahs.  With the introduction of cheetahs into India, this would be the ideal opportunity for the reasons below: Project Cheetah in India continues and expands, and with it comes employment in the government sector, hospitality industry (lodges and hotels in the area), and other related avenues. Be a step ahead, learn about the cheetah with field experience and training that is provided and be ahead when it comes to employment applications. Gaining experience and knowledge in the African bush, along with the training provided will help you even if it is a different field that you want to follow. Your experience gained and the training obtained in identifying cheetahs, setting up trap cameras, working with VHF/GPS tracking (when available), working with ethograms, determining cheetah territory, and documenting behavior will certainly stand out on your CV and give you an advantage when competing with dozens or even hundreds of others competing for that vacancy. The level of training provided prior to arriving in Kenya, and in the field in Kenya, often exceeds similar field programs in the African continent.     The cost is $2100 for 13 days, and includes complimentary pickup/drop-off at Nairobi airport, accommodation, 3 meals a day, ground transportation, gate fees, vehicle patrol expenses, permits, and taxes. The cost does not include airfare and the online visa fee ($35-$50) for Kenya. Funding is almost non-existent for small nonprofits to run a project such as a Cheetah Project, and the project is NOT a money-making venture. Our expenses are for accommodation, permits, meals, ground transportation, operating 4X4 vehicles 10-13 hours a day, driver's pay and accommodation, fuel, equipment, vehicle maintenance, and other logistical expenses. The amount we charge goes 100% directly into expenses but still does not cover the total cost per person. Thanks to donations and sponsorships, your payment is subsidized. 

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African nations face financial hurdles, limiting their ability to fund essential public services such as energy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. One promising solution? Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Enrol for Building Strategies in Public-Private Partnerships Why Choose This Programme? Master the art of PPP strategies crucial for emerging markets. Delve into legislative, financial, and stakeholder aspects with interactive exercises and real-world case studies. Key Benefits: ✅ Deepen your understanding of the PPP shared value model. ✅ Navigate the complexities of public service delivery. ✅ Adapt to evolving expectations in outcome-based public sector service delivery. ✅ Tackle complex financial and stakeholder challenges with confidence. ✅ Master the legal, governance, and compliance aspects of PPPs. Who Should Attend? ✅ Executives and senior managers ✅ Non-executive directors ✅ Leaders in infrastructure ✅ Strategy, financial management, supply chain management, and IT leaders ✅ Business development and sales professionals 📅 Programme Dates: 13-15 Aug 2024   🏢 Venue: GIBS - Illovo   💰 Cost: R 21,000 Seize this opportunity to enhance your strategic skills and drive impactful change. Enroll now and be a part of the solution! https://lnkd.in/dy2qEG9Q #PPP #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EmergingMarkets #Leadership #Strategy #Finance #Governance #ProfessionalDevelopment #GIBS

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...and poor disaster preparedness/planning! We experience flooding in most parts of the country every year. What measures did we put in place in readiness for this year's floods?

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