StoryMapping Environmental Sustainability

In 2017, I facilitated an interdisciplinary research workshop focused on mapping environmental sustainability at two prominent sites in Malawi: Tikondwe Freedom Gardens and the Likengala River. This initiative was in collaboration with esteemed colleagues Dr. Boyson Moyo from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Deepa Pullanikkatil of Abundance Worldwide, and Prof. Deborah Dixon, Dr. Brian Barrett, and Dr. Hazel Long from the University of Glasgow.

The workshop aimed to merge diverse academic disciplines and practical insights to forge a comprehensive understanding of environmental sustainability at these critical Malawian sites. Participants engaged in detailed mapping exercises, employing both traditional and innovative methods to examine the ecological and social dynamics of Tikondwe Freedom Gardens and the Likengala River.

These interactive sessions facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and methodologies, fostering a collaborative environment where expertise from various fields was shared and valued. The workshop highlighted the significance of incorporating local knowledge and community engagement in environmental research.

By the conclusion of this workshop, a multifaceted map of environmental sustainability for these areas was created, integrating a broad spectrum of data and perspectives. This collaborative effort significantly advanced our understanding of the environmental challenges and opportunities in Malawi, establishing a model for future interdisciplinary research in the field.