Menu Close

Mercy Mwanikah Ojoyi

Areas of research expertise
Applications of technology in addressing environmental challenges
Climate change dynamics and impacts
Ecological research applications
Sustainable livelihoods and practices

Background

Dr Ojoyi holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her doctoral studies were supported by a sandwich programme funded by the UNESCO L’Oreal Foundation, Paris to work on environmental challenges in Tanzania with the University of Twente, Netherlands. She holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Environmental Science and an Honours degree in Natural Resources Management.

She is a highly competent environmental specialist with in-depth knowledge in the use of technology in bridging gaps between environmental science and resource governance, climate change impacts and sustainable livelihood interventions. She has significant experience in fundraising, project development and implementation in interdisciplinary work environments. She worked as an International Climate Protection Fellow with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Bonn, Germany and as visiting research fellow with African Initiative programme and Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in addressing climate change challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr Ojoyi was also supported by the Alcoa Foundation Programme, administered by the Institute of International Education, New York, to address effective management of vulnerable environmental resources and livelihood support initiatives for communities in Lake Victoria in East Africa. She has a keen interest in engaging communities in evidence-based, innovative approaches towards poverty eradication and the improvement of livelihoods.

Languages spoken

English
French (basic)
German (basic)
Kiswahili
Recent publications

Ojoyi M, Mutanga O, Kahinda Mwenge J, Odindi J and Abdel-Rahman E M (2017). Scenario-based approach in dealing with climate change impacts in Central Tanzania. Futures 85:30-41.
Ojoyi M M, Kahinda J M, Fraser D G E and Mutanga O (2016). Farm level adaptation to climate variability and change in central Tanzania. Journal of climate and development (under revision).
Ojoyi M M, Odindi J, Mutanga O and Abdel-Rahman EM (2016). Analysing fragmentation in vulnerable biodiversity hotspots in Tanzania from 1975 to 2012 using remote sensing and frag stats. Nature Conservation 16: 19–37.
Ojoyi M M, and Kahinda J (2015). An analysis of climatic impacts and adaptation strategies in Morogoro region, Tanzania. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 7: 97-115.
Ojoyi M M, Antwi-Agyei P, Mutanga O, Odindi J and Abdel-Rahman E M (2015). An analysis of ecosystem vulnerability and management interventions in the Morogoro region landscapes, Tanzania. Tropical Conservation Science, 8 (3): 662-680.
Ojoyi M M, Mutanga O, Odindi J, Ayenkulu E and Abdel-Rahman E M (2015). The effect of forest fragmentation on tree species abundance and diversity in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 13, 307-324.
Ojoyi M, Mutanga O, Odindi J and Abdel-Rahman E (2015). Application of topo-edaphic factors and remotely sensed vegetation indices to enhance biomass estimation in a heterogeneous landscape in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, Geocarto International, DOI: 10.1080/10106049.2015.1041557.

Experience

  • –present
    Researcher Governance of Africa's Resources Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal