Dr. Paulo J. Lyimo is a Researcher, Consultant, and Lecturer at the Department of Ecosystems and Conservation at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. He is also a Biodiversity Conservationist at the National Carbon Monitoring Centre. He earned a Ph.D. in Forestry Science from the Sokoine University of Agriculture in 2021.
Dr. Lyimo’s research interests include ecology, entomology, biodiversity, ecosystem services, bamboo resources assessment and management, biological control of invasive species, and climate change.
He is responsible to oversees the overall operations of BARATA and providing leadership and direction to our organization.
Email address: paulo@bambootanzania.or.tz
Donald Dickson Kibhuti is a Tanzanian national with over 12 years of experience in livelihoods and economic development programs focused on bamboo and natural resource management in Tanzania and East Africa.
Donald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and a Master’s in Natural Resources Assessment and Management from the Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam.
Donald has worked with various organizations, both in the public and private sector. He was the National Project Coordinator for International Bamboo and Rattan Organization’s (INBAR) IFAD-EU funded project, which focused on scaling up pro-poor bamboo livelihoods, income generation, and employment creation, and environmental management in Tanzania from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2019. He coordinated project implementation, drafted and finalized annual work plans, budgets, and country strategies, and ensured quality and on-time delivery of project reports to INBAR.
As the Managing Director of WODGRA Bamboo and Briquetting Company Limited, Donald is responsible for the overall success of the household charcoal project in Tanzania.
Email address: donald@bambootanzania.or.tz
Rogers Noah Mwaikambo is highly experienced and accomplished Senior Accountant working for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania. Rogers began his education at Magereza Primary School, where he earned a Certificate of Primary Education in 1994. He then went on to attend Tosamaganga Secondary School, where he received a Certificate of Secondary Education in 1998. Rogers furthered his studies at Songea Boys Secondary School, where he obtained an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education in 2001.
Determined to pursue a career in finance, Rogers enrolled in the University of Dar Es Salaam in 2002, where he studied Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy, graduating in 2005. He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) in 2009, followed by a Master in Accountancy from the same institution in 2022.
Rogers has gained significant experience working for various organizations, including Swissport as a Finance Officer from 2005 to 2006 and the Ileje District Council as an Accountant II from 2007 to 2009. Since 2010, he has been working as a Senior Accounts Officer for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, where he has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in his field. Rogers is responsible for overseeing the final account section, where he prepares financial statements and ensures that they comply with all national and international accounting standards, such as TFRS, IFRS, and IPSAS. He is also responsible for budget preparation and expenditure control, preparing payment vouchers using the MUSE system, conducting financial analysis, and bank reconciliation.
Rogers has also had the opportunity to act as Chief Accountant for the Ministry at different points in time, where he performed all the duties of a Chief Accountant. This experience has contributed to his overall knowledge and expertise, making him a valuable asset to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
Email address: rogers@bambootanzania.or.tz
Gladness Elibariki Kaaya is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, a program she has been enrolled in since 2020 and plans to complete in 2023. Prior to her university studies, she attended Mount Kipengere Secondary School where she obtained her Advance Certificate of Secondary school Education Examination (ACSEE) in 2020. Before that, she attended Mulbadaw Secondary School where she obtained her Ordinary Certificate of Secondary School Examination (CSEE) from 2014 to 2017. Her primary education was completed at Ghairo primary school from 2007 to 2013, where she received her Certificate of Primary Education Examination.
Gladness has relevant volunteer experience as a carrier in the District Forest Conservator’s (DFC) office in Arumeru, Arusha. Her duties included assisting in the day-to-day operations of the office.
She has several computer software skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation, with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, Internet and E-mails. She also has geospatial skills in QGIS and Google Earth Pro, and research writing skills with the use of Zotero reference manager. Additionally, she has excellent communication skills and is a team player with good time management, confidence, and ability to work hard in diverse conditions.
The Training Coordinator designs and coordinates training programs and workshops for rural communities, farmers, and entrepreneurs on the sustainable management and utilization of bamboo and rattan resources.
Email address: gladness@bambootanzania.or.tz
Japhet pursued his secondary education at St. Stephen Boys’ Secondary School from January 2014 to November 2017, where he obtained his Certificate of Secondary Education. He then went on to study at Same Secondary School from July 2018 to June 2020, where he obtained his Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education. Japhet is currently enrolled at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, a program he started in November 2020.
In August 2020, Japhet worked as a part-time teacher at Tumaini Jema Secondary School. His duties included teaching Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, facilitating remedial studies, and monitoring students’ preparations. Additionally, Japhet facilitated debate, quiz, and spelling B sessions for the students.
Japhet’s passion for geospatial technology and forestry led him to secure an internship with a GIS company in September 2022, where he currently works as a GIS Intern. In this role, Japhet’s duties include remote sensed imagery interpretation in relation to the forestry field, digitization, shapefile generation and merging vector data, raster data pre-processing and analysis, and map production. He also gained experience working with geospatial tools such as QGIS, Google Earth Pro, and Google Map.
Email address: japhet@bambootanzania.or.tz
Noel P. Kakunya is an experienced ICT and online communication expert with over 8 years of experience working with both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government organizations in Tanzania. He has dedicated his career to helping these organizations communicate their mission, vision, and activities to the public through various channels.
Mr. Kakunya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and Systems from Mzumbe University. This academic background has given him the technical expertise to excel in his field and stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in online communication.
In his role as a communication specialist with BARATA, Mr. Kakunya is responsible for creating and executing effective communication strategies that promote the organization’s activities and achievements to a wide audience. He utilizes a range of communication channels, including websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and other media, to ensure that BARATA’s messages are effectively conveyed to its target audience.
Prior to joining BARATA, Mr. Kakunya worked with several other organizations, including NGOs and government agencies, where he played key roles in developing and implementing successful communication strategies. He has also served as a consultant, providing his expertise to organizations seeking to enhance their online communication capabilities.
Email address: noel@bambootanzania.or.tz