Takudzwanashe Mundenga
Rural Change Maker
Takudzwanashe (Taku) Mundenga is a dedicated specialist in International Development, with a recent Master of Science in Capacity Development and Extension from the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Originally from Zimbabwe, Taku is now based in Waterloo, Ontario. His groundbreaking thesis focused on the media's role in climate change mitigation through soil health. With a strong background in journalism, Taku is passionate about effectively communicating AgriScience and driving policies that promote sustainable food systems. He is a distinguished NSERC-funded fellow in CREATE Climate Smart-Soils – the first multi-institutional soil-centered program to address the need for highly qualified personnel training to sustainably lead Canada’s agri-food sector. He has gained valuable experience through internships with Conduitao and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, working on nature-positive solutions for climate change adaptation programs in Africa. Taku actively shares his expertise by contributing op-eds on soil health and climate change mitigation to various media outlets. Eager to broaden his knowledge and forge connections in rural development, Taku enthusiastically joined the Rural Changemakers Program for 2023-2024.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices Promoting Healthy Soils - Stories from the Black Community
Faces of Resilience is an initiative that aims to address a critical gap in scientific knowledge within marginalized communities. Our flagship project focuses on establishing a hub of innovation and knowledge dedicated to curating stories that inspire climate action, particularly among marginalized farming communities in Ontario.
At the core of this initiative is the recognition of the importance of participation from marginalized groups in climate action and the urgent need to empower these communities with the tools and resources necessary to tackle climate challenges. By curating stories that inspire action and participation, Faces of Resilience aims to empower and engage marginalized farming communities to take meaningful steps towards climate resilience.
Through storytelling, community engagement initiatives, and capacity-building programs, Faces of Resilience is committed to amplifying marginalized communities' voices and fostering a climate action culture among them. By highlighting inspiring stories and showcasing the resilience efforts of these communities, we aim to spark meaningful change and foster a sense of unity and empowerment in addressing climate challenges.
Black farmers, comprising 4.9% of farm operators in Canada according to the 2021 Statistics Canada Report, are significantly underrepresented in discussions highlighting their valuable contributions to the agricultural sector. Despite their noteworthy initiatives in advancing climate change mitigation through regenerative farming practices, the limited recognition and consideration of their efforts by policymakers and stakeholders remain evident in decision-making processes.
www.roiconnect.ca/project/faces-of-resilience/
