Bakenga Maksudi
Affiliations
Doctoral Student
Faculty of Arts , Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Contact information
Background
Credentials
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2014
Teacher License - Senior Phase & Further Education & Training (FET), South African Council for Educators (SACE), 2014
Educational Background
MPhil in Environmental Humanities - Environmental Humanities, University of Cape Town, 2022
Bachelor of Education Honours - Education, University of Cape Town, 2020
Bachelor of Commerce - Economics and Supply Chain Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2012
Certificate in Business Administration (CBA) - Business Administration, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007
Biography
As a doctoral student at the University of Calgary, I am deeply committed to reshaping the relationship between humans and nature. My research, primarily focused in Burundi and the Great Lake region, is community-engaged and aims to bring about meaningful change. I concentrate on riparian communities, including farmers, fishers, and local residents, and I am a strong advocate for innovative approaches to coastal land management. I am currently volunteering as a researcher at Kit-Hub Burundi. This social organization is at the forefront of driving innovation and social impact in Bujumbura and beyond. My vision through this role is to foster equitable knowledge and skills sharing. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone, particularly indigenous communities, as I believe this is crucial for social change and achieving a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. My journey is not just about research; it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives and protecting our natural world for future generations.
Projects
My research project examines two critical issues impacting the coastal communities in Bujumbura on Lake Tanganyika: human-hippopotamus conflicts and flood displacement. This is due to the lake's riparian zone experiencing ongoing encroachments, resulting in habitat degradation and increasing species destruction. The riparian zone is a complex adaptive system and serves as a critical buffer due to its dual role; it provides habitat for hippos while simultaneously regulating flooding. I employ an interdisciplinary approach that intersects social, ecological, climate, and technological perspectives for a deeper understanding of the ecosystem's dynamics. The goal is to utilize a holistic critical thinking approach and establish a Social-Ecological-Aquatic model to foster sustainable environmental solutions. My intervention involves using multimedia storytelling to educate on the importance of stewardship in environmental knowledge and management efforts.
Awards
- Faculty of Graduate Studies Doctoral Entrance Scholarship, University of Calgary. 2023
- Doctoral Student Departmental Funding, University of Calgary. 2023
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, MasterCard Foundation - University of Cape Town. 2020
- DSF National Research Foundation Innovation Master’s Scholarship, National Research Foundation (NRF). 2020
- Council Honours Merit and Financial Aid Awards, University of Cape Town. 2019
- Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (SISS), Swedish Institute (SI). 2017
- HCI Foundation Bursary, HCI Foundation. 2010
- DAFI Tertiary Scholarship , UNHCR. 2008
Publications
- Hippopotami in a liminal space: a multi-species ethnography of Lake Tanganyika in Bujumbura. Bakenga Maksudi. University of Cape Town. (2022)
- Migration as an adaptation strategy to climate change. Abakari, G., Chattopadhyay, S., Hutchison, T. E., Maksudi, B., Mwakio, C. M., Olabimi, I. O., Wijayathunga, H. R.. The Association of Commonwealth Universities. (2020)
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