I am thrilled to share that I have completed the six-month Women in Conservation Technology program. I am Sarah Mshanga, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. I have a background in conservation, and I enjoy being a conservationist. In June this year, I had the privilege of joining the Women in Conservation Technology program, a six-month initiative organized by the Grumeti Fund through Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem (RISE) in collaboration with the WILDLABS conservation technology community and the international wildlife NGO, Fauna & Flora. This program has provided me with foundational skills in technological solutions to overcome pressing wildlife conservation challenges and improve my leadership skills, professional development, and strategic networking.
During this journey, I had the incredible opportunity to attend two workshops that transformed my understanding of conservation and innovation. In the first workshop, I explored various conservation technologies and tools, like camera traps, GPS devices, VHF tracking, mobile apps for data collection like Kobo, and even Earth Ranger—a spatial and data management platform that was completely new to me. I learned how Earth Ranger integrates real-time data and reduces silos to improve ecosystem management.
One of the most fascinating lessons was about human-elephant conflict mitigation. I became familiar with creative, non-lethal methods like chilli blocks, Roman candles, and even crop diversification strategies to deter elephants without harming them. These experiences taught me the importance of innovation and adaptability in conservation.
The second workshop took things further by diving into conservation technology innovations and their real-world impact. I learned the difference between innovation and invention—understanding that innovation often involves improving existing ideas. I also explored tools like GitHub and GPS for mapping, tracking, and navigation. Most importantly, I gained insights into the steps of innovation, from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, and collaborating. I also learned about rhino conservation challenges, including the impact of habitat loss, climate change, and inbreeding. It was eye-opening to see how these factors slow population growth and threaten their survival.
Throughout this workshop, I honed my skills in presenting my ideas and adapting my message for different audiences, whether funders, policymakers, or peers. Visit the link below to hear more from me;
These workshops combined knowledge acquisition with immersive experiences, fostering both technical and strategic skills for impactful conservation. On top of it all, I got to experience game drives where I observed fascinating animal behaviours including lions mating and learning their survival strategies. This journey was a blend of learning, discovery, and inspiration—one that strengthened my passion for conservation and my drive to create innovative solutions.
Visit the link below to see and experience the beauty of nature;
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD1fXxItQ1B/?igsh=YWo3NXRrbWJiOGxx
Generally, this program has been unique, offering me valuable insights and opportunities for professional growth. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned.