Join us for a conversation with Alice Ndlovu about the community-based research and indigenous innovations currently blossoming in Mazvihwa Communal Area, Zimbabwe. Alice will give us examples of creative farming practices, water harvesting techniques, and household innovations. We will discuss how participatory research is helping to fight data poverty and empowering the community. What does “the life informatic” look like in this context and for these people? What are its benefits and drawbacks?

Alice Ndlovu Mutanda, Director of Operations and Administration of Muonde Trust, was born and bred in Mazvihwa. She is married to Tinashe Mutanda. Alice has Honours and Masters Degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University. In addition she holds a certificate in “working with communities affected by poverty displacement and HIV and AIDS” from the University of Kwazulu Natal in South Africa. Alice has been working in Mazvihwa and across Zvishavane District for the past 7 years. For six years she worked at Bethany Project as a Programme Officer implementing livelihoods programmes in the Mazvihwa community. 2014 marked a turnaround in her career when she joined Muonde Trust to work directly with her community to support indigenous innovation. Alice has a keen interest on girls and women empowerment.