Master of Science student: Petra Bakewell-Stone

Institutt for plante- og miljøvitenskap

E-mail: dadapatra@hotmail.com

Home address:
Grimsdyke Cottage, Nuffield Lane, Crowmarsh, Oxon OX10 6QW, U.K.
Tlf: +44 1491 641485

Petra Bakewell-Stone

Address at Ås:
P.O. Box 5003, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (IPM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), N-1432 Ås, NORWAY
petrab@student.umb.no
phone: +47 6494 9929
Mobile: +47 4803 6170

M.Sc. thesis - title: MSc Agroecology, with a thesis entitled ’The Future of Organic Agriculture in Tanzania’

Supervisor: Dr. Geir Lieblein

Thesis presentatio:
My Masters thesis is taking the form of action research into the developing organic sector of Tanzania. In the light of the rapid growth of the organic movement in Africa, and worldwide, and the potential livelihood and food security benefits that an environmentally sensitive, socially just and economically viable agriculture has for small-scale producers, the approach taken is to join forces with key actors in the food system in order to find appropriate strategies that strengthen the transition from conventional to organic management systems.

The broad research question is: ’How can organic agriculture be developed for the benefit of the Tanzanian smallholder?’ Sub-objectives include creating a shared vision for the future of organic farming, enhancing agroecological skills and access to knowledge in organic agriculture and strengthening communication and collaboration between stakeholders.

A little about myself:
My first degree was in Geography from St. Anne’s College at Oxford University. This included research into local coping strategies to declining banana yields in Northwest Tanzania. Since graduating in 2001 I have been working with NGOs and farmer organisations in Tanzania, specifically for an Eastern and Southern African network called PELUM (Participatory Ecological Land Use Management) whose mission is to promote learning, networking and advocacy in sustainable agriculture and food security. I also have experience as a freelance journalist writing on wide-ranging issues (including music, trade and food / farming issues).

I have a keen interest in building sustainable communities, and designing systems along ecological principles for the benefit of both humans and nature. I also feel that effective communication plays an essential role in rural development in the South. During my spare time I enjoy practising yoga, baking and gardening. Juggling and caporeia are two other pastimes that I have taken up recently. I greatly appreciate many different types of music and have training in playing the harp and singing. I cherish any opportunity to hear live music and to dance. In addition, I find learning languages very stimulating and rewarding, and am particuarly happy whilst travelling.


Oppdatert: 11.11.05
Utskriftsvennlig versjon : Arkiv : Tips en venn