Tanzania
Wildlife Management at School for Field Studies
My experience in Tanzania was life changing due to the cultural immersion I experienced while studying Wildlife Management. I was able to engage in Tanzanian culture and learn about the language and diversity of tribes. For my independent research I conducted an ethnobotanical survey of wild food plants consumed by the Maasai tribe. I used interviews and field observations to collect data and then provided the local community with recommendations to sustain economic, social, and ecological stability. This unique opportunity helped provide me with skills such as habitat assessment and mapping, species identification, research design, GIS methods, transect and path sampling, and animal behavior observations.
Research
Ethnobotanical survey of wild food plants used by the Maasai people, Northern Tanzania
There is limited research on traditional food in Africa. In this study, traditional food use in a pastoralist tribe –Maasai was explored. An ethnobotanical investigation was undertaken through interviews and field observations to determine the food plants used by Maasai people. Wild plant food uses for soup, thirst, fruit, vegetables, pleasure, and food/meal were identified. Among the recommendations are: promote continuous education about Maasai traditional food; support wild food plant cultivation; and conserve and maintain areas rich in wild food plants.