EMEDO

About Us

Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO)

The Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO) is a public interest, non-profit organization based in Mwanza, Tanzania. Founded in 2005, its primary mission is to empower rural communities to advocate for their rights and to influence policies that affect their access to and use of natural resources. The organization focuses on sustainable resource governance, aiming to ensure that both people and biodiversity benefit from the management of the environment.

Core Activities and Focus Areas

EMEDO’s work is centered on enhancing the capacities of communities through a variety of methods. They use participatory learning and action tools to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote community ownership. Key areas of focus include:

• Environmental Conservation: EMEDO emphasizes practices that are environmentally friendly and works closely with both communities and government agencies to achieve this goal.
• Small-Scale Fisheries: The organization works to enhance the capacity of fish workers in the Lake Victoria basin to address challenges like poverty and unsustainable practices. They also host the secretariat for the African Network of Women Fish Processors and Traders (AWFISHNET), supporting women’s empowerment in the fisheries sector.
• Social Justice: EMEDO promotes the fair distribution of resources and benefits within society, regardless of background or status. This includes a strong focus on empowering women and youth as primary target groups.
• Policy and Advocacy: A significant part of their work involves research, policy analysis, and lobbying to ensure that policies at local, national, and international levels are just and beneficial to the communities they serve.

Business Model and Funding

As a non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO), EMEDO’s business model is based on securing funding through grants, partnerships, and collaborations. They work with various stakeholders, including international organizations, government departments, and other NGOs, to implement projects. One notable example is the Lake Victoria Drowning Prevention Project, a collaboration with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to improve water safety for fishing communities in the region.

In Summary

EMEDO is a community-focused NGO that aims to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable environmental management in Tanzania. By empowering communities with knowledge and a voice, it works to influence policy and ensure that natural resources are managed in a way that benefits everyone.