We want a world that is thriving, sustainable, and inclusive.

We are committed to finding solutions to the social and ecological challenges of today and tomorrow.

We use social and ecological knowledge, science and tools to help our clients make evidence informed strategic decisions.

from expertise to impact

Our team are a rare combination of experts who have spent years as both academic researchers and practitioners. Academic research provides critical practical and theoretical advances. However, understanding how these can make a difference in complex social-ecological systems is not straight forward. By working closely with cut-edge researchers, leading practitioners, and ambitious policy makers, we aim to help clients achieve real-world impact.

Our team

Linda Alumada

Linda Mbungu Alumada is a passionate Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist based in Kenya. With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geo-informatics from The Technical University of Kenya, she navigates the world of data, maps, and systems. Linda's expertise lies in carrying out research, including collecting data and producing geological maps and technical report figures. Her professional journey has been diverse, ranging from roles as a System Analyst/Business Analyst Intern to contributing as a GIS Data Entry Assistant and currently working as a Research Assistant. Each experience has added layers to her skill set.

Tom Bachmann

Tom recently gained a master’s degree in biology (ecology) from Wageningen University & Research, during which he designed and implemented a landscape-scale occupancy model for large carnivores in Kenya’s South Rift. Tom has been involved in community-based conservation projects and wildlife ecology research across East Africa and the Indian subcontinent throughout his studies and is keen to continue exploring the factors governing the diversity, resilience, and productivity of ecosystems across human-dominated landscapes.

Dr. Peadar Brehony

Dr. Peadar Brehony has spent over a decade conducting research and working in conservation across several countries, primarily in East Africa. As a practitioner, his roles included being coordinator of a cross-border conservation initiative between conservation, research, and community NGOs; as a technical advisor; and as a data scientist. Peadar holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where his research focussed on understanding the impact that conservation efforts have on social-ecological systems with a focus on the interplay between drought, conservation, and livelihoods in southern Kenya.

Emma Etchells

Emma has gained a broad range of international experience in the development sector - encompassing project management, research, donor reporting and fundraising. Emma holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Development (specialism in rural development and change) from SOAS, University of London and has worked on projects focusing on youths in agriculture, Climate Smart Agriculture and the financial inclusion of female smallholder farmers.

Dr. Lauren Evans

Lauren has worked in conservation in East Africa for 15 years, always in an interdisciplinary way. Lauren's PhD and post-doctoral research at the University of Cambridge looked at the political ecology of electrified 'elephant' fences in Laikipia, Kenya: the politics they represent and create. Lauren delved into issues of identity and access in relation to land by pastoralists and conservationists and the agency of elephants as political actors in breaking fences. She then directed the conservation science department for NGO Space for Giants for eight years: building and mentoring a team of scientists and students; working with farmers, researchers, governments and NGOs to understand and mitigate human-elephant conflict in Kenya, Uganda and Gabon; ensuring the social and ecological impact of conservation practice was measured and evaluated. She is currently training as a practitioner in nonviolent communication and conflict resolution.

Emma Fearnhead

Emma is an aspiring conservation leader with an interdisciplinary background spanning biodiversity science, business, and communications. She holds a Master’s in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford and has been involved in high-impact conservation initiatives across Africa. Her experience includes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the coordination of some of the continent’s largest wildlife translocations. Emma is passionate about developing practical, systems-based solutions that drive long-term impact for both people and nature.

Freddie Hunter

Freddie works on the development of methods for the monitoring and evaluation of environmental processes and natural resources using satellite imagery and data science. Freddie has extensive knowledge of statistics and data science for ecological and geo-spatial data, and of electromagnetic radiation for remote sensing theory. His past work involved the use of a range of satellites and instrument types (Multi/Hyper Spectral, SAR, LIDAR) for mapping, change detection, and classification. He is a competent programmer in several languages (R, Python, Javascript and shell), which he use for data processing, statistical modelling, machine learning and software engineering.

Justin Joyness

Justin is an experienced graphic designer, digital artist, and illustrator known for his creative versatility and eye for detail. With a strong foundation in design, a passion for visual arts, professional freelance experience, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering, he blends artistic vision with technical precision to create visually innovative digital work. Leveraging his creative expertise and using a variety of design tools, Justin effectively translates data and information into clear and professional visuals that help convey key messages with impact.

Emma Kambua

Kambua, an alumna of the University of Nairobi, holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Geography, Population and Environmental Studies, and Sociology. She is driven by her ambition to create meaningful changes within society and our environment. Proficiently skilled in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, Kambua fervently applies GIS tools for environmental problem resolution, urban planning, and conservation needs. Currently, she is pursuing postgraduate courses to earn a Master of Arts degree with a focus on Women, Children, and Nature Rights in Environmental Governance at the University of Nairobi. This educational pursuit provides an essential platform for Kambua to advocate for inclusive and equitable governance systems by exploring the connections between gender dynamics, children's rights, and environmental issues.

Sandy Kooistra

Sandy holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Development and Globalization Studies from Trent University in Canada and has worked for many years in the development sector in both programming and operations. Her work has included supporting medical programs, improving access to clean water, and enhancing food security for rural communities in various contexts.

Joy Muganda

Joy is a dynamic and self-motivated individual who is deeply passionate about sustainable development and its intersection with environmental stewardship. Her MSc in Climate Change, Development & Policy from the University of Sussex cemented her interest in the financial system's pivotal role in driving climate and conservation solutions. Joy expertly leverages climate finance and impact investing to mobilize capital for nature-based solutions and biodiversity protection. Her experience includes analyzing investment portfolios for their contributions to climate initiatives. She is dedicated to offering fresh perspectives and practical financial strategies that better align the needs of people and biodiversity, fostering resilient ecosystems and communities across the region.

Rose Muiyuro

Rose has experience in project management; research and monitoring; data collection, analysis and utilization in policy development; and stakeholder capacity building in the areas of environment and climate change. Her interests revolve around the use of data science to influence environmental conservation and sustainable use of available resources and exploring the nexus between communities, conservation and development. She has previously worked with the Ministry of Environment (Climate Change Directorate) in various climate change adaptation and mitigation projects in Kenya revolving around the Climate Change Act (2016) and The National Climate Change Action Plan (2018-2022). Additionally, she also worked in Osilalei Ltd, an environmental consulting firm that specializes in harnessing the power of data and information to address real-world challenges in environmental conservation and development.

Sankara Odanyiro

Sankara is a 5th-year Mechanical Engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya with a growing interest in geospatial technologies. Currently serving as a GIS analyst, he is exploring the intersection of engineering and spatial data analysis. He has contributed to projects involving environmental mapping, spatial data extraction, and infrastructure planning, gaining hands-on experience in applying geospatial insights to field-based challenges. Sankara is keen on applying his technical problem-solving skills to real-world environmental and infrastructure issues, with the long-term goal of contributing to data-driven decision-making in engineering and planning.

Erick Odire

Erick Odire is an environmental scientist and geospatial data specialist with nearly seven years of experience applying GIS and remote sensing tools to support evidence-based conservation and development across East Africa. He holds an MSc in Environment and Natural Resources Management from Makerere University and a BA in Geography from Moi University. Erick has led and supported numerous projects in biodiversity conservation, carbon accounting, sustainable finance, and rangeland management. His work combines technical expertise in spatial analysis, Earth observation, and data visualization with a deep commitment to using science and technology to inform strategic decisions in complex socio-ecological systems.

Kokubanza Timanywa

With a BA in Global Challenges from the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation in Rwanda, Koku is a conservation leader passionate about transforming conservation outcomes by supporting the pursuit of sustainability. Her expertise mainly lies in tourism enterprise development, communications, and research. As an intern, Koku worked with several conservation organizations in Tanzania and Rwanda, such as Water Access Rwanda, Honeyguide Foundation, and AndBeyond Travel. She was also one of the organizers of an inaugural 2022 Youth4Nature conference in Tanzania which gave aspiring youth in East Africa a platform to hear the inspiring stories of other young and established conservation leaders.

David Tyrrell

A management professional with experience in Europe and Africa focused on agriculture, climate change and renewable energy. Roles with Multinational Companies including technical development, sales and marketing, and Board level management positions. Consulting experience on numerous projects many focused on business development and promoting and commercializing small holder farmer businesses. He specialises on linking SME’s to investors and donors, writing concept notes for donor funds (including DFID and USAID) and evaluating concept notes and Business plans for various investment funds. He has carried out assignments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique. He have 41 years experience in the Agricultural field including 7 years as Managing Director of Rhone Poulenc/ Aventis in Nairobi and 18 years as a consultant in East Africa where he has been working on projects including clean energy, climate change, animal health, moringa, essential oils, tilapia farming, seed companies, chicken production, agro inputs, hybrid rice, mango, avocado, chilli, herbs, and dairy.

Dr. Peter Tyrrell

Dr. Peter Tyrrell recently finished his PhD at the University of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), where he is a Mistler Graduate Scholar focusing on the ecological and socio-economic interplay between livestock, wildlife and conservation in the South Rift, Kenya. Previously Peter was a researcher at South Rift Association of Landowners (SORALO), where he worked with local communities to improve the management of natural resources through the collection, processing and communication of information relevant to decision making. Peter is interested in spatial ecology, ungulate and rangeland ecology, the impacts of infrastructure on landscapes, and social-ecological systems theory. Pete's work centres around engaging with policy makers and practitioners to find long-term solutions to conservation challenges.

Esther Wairimu

Before joining the Sustain East Africa team, Esther worked as a research assistant in a project dubbed ‘Inclusive and Climate Smart Business Models in Ethiopian and Kenyan Dairy Value Chains (CSDEK)’ which is connected to the CCAFS project NAMA for dairy development in Kenya. Esther is currently studying for her MSc in Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Nairobi where her research thesis focuses on quantification of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the smallholder dairy value chain in Kenya. Prior to starting her MSc, Esther graduated with honors in BSc Range Management from the University of Nairobi. She later obtained proficiency mainly in drought management and disaster risk reduction against climate change effects while volunteering at National Drought Management Authority, Kilifi County and at Kakuzi Limited. She has expertise in data collection, cleaning and utilization and has over time developed more passion around dryland ecosystem and sustainable management.

Kate West

Kate has over a decade of experience that blends conservation, international development, and sustainable finance. Her career in conservation has included working across Southeast Asia for Fauna & Flora International and in East Africa as the Chief Technical Advisor for Mwambao Coastal Community Network focusing on community-led marine management. She also spent half a decade working with Social Finance developing outcome-based payment mechanisms and supported a mix of NGOs, Government and Social Enterprises to use finance and funding to address development challenges including sanitation, agriculture, and education. Kate is interested in how the needs of people and biodiversity can be better aligned across land and seascapes while moving away from reliance on donor funding and international aid.

Masters students

Over the past few years we have supported a number of Kenyan and Tanzanian MSc students conducting research in East Africa, including Fenrick Msigwa, Ezra Mremi, Jamila Abdullahi, Halima Hassan, Sheunda Salim, and Ntayia Lema Langas.

Interns

Applications are welcome

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