- community-based programs
- evidence-based research
- sustainable development
get in touch
+255 695 395 272
info@recoda.or.tz
email us
About us
22+
Years of service
100+
communities served
who we are
Bridging the technology gap in development
Research, Community, and Organizational Development (RECODA) is a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) rooted strongly in Tanzania. It was established in 2000 to bridge the technology gap in development through research, consultancy, capacity building, and facilitation of community-based projects. In the beginning, RECODA's main activity was consultancy work carried out for various development organizations engaged in implementing community development projects. Currently, the organization has extended her works into research and development specifically technology transfer to rural farmers.
transparency
We maintain open and honest communication in all our operations, ensuring accountability to our communities and partners.
accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, ensuring effective use of resources and delivering on our commitments to communities.
creativity & teamwork
We foster innovative solutions through collaborative efforts, bringing together diverse expertise to address complex development challenges.
vision & mission
Our commitment to sustainable development
RECODA's vision and mission guide our work in empowering communities, reducing poverty, and building sustainable livelihoods across Tanzania through innovative research and community-based programs.
Vision
our vision
The organization envisions a prosperous, strong, sustainable, and enlightened community free of ignorance and poverty. We believe in a Tanzania where every community has access to the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive independently and sustainably.
Mission
our mission
RECODA's mission is to bridge the technology gap in poverty reduction initiatives through socio-economic research, community-based programs (CBP), capacity building of CSOs, and provision of consultancy services. We work directly with communities to develop sustainable solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities.
Goals
our goals
The organization aims to make poverty and food insecurity history in Tanzania by ensuring that poor communities have developed socially and economically sustainable livelihoods that can uphold their living. We focus on empowering communities through agricultural transformation, skills development, and access to resources.
our core values
TACT: The foundation of everything we do
Our core values of Transparency, Accountability, Creativity, and Teamwork (TACT) guide every aspect of our work, ensuring we deliver meaningful impact while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and collaboration.
community impact
Transforming lives across Tanzania
RECODA's RIPAT program has transformed our community. Through their support, we've learned sustainable farming techniques that have increased our crop yields and improved our livelihoods. The participatory approach made us feel valued and empowered.
The capacity building workshops organized by RECODA have been invaluable. We've gained skills in project management, community mobilization, and sustainable practices that we now use to help other communities in our region.
meet our team
Dedicated professionals committed to impact
Our team consists of experienced researchers, community development specialists, agricultural experts, and project managers who work collaboratively to deliver sustainable solutions across Tanzania.
Team information coming soon.
how we work
Our approach to community development
RECODA follows a participatory, community-centered approach that ensures local ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact. Our methodology integrates research, capacity building, and direct community engagement.
01
Vision of a Better Future
We begin by building a shared vision of a better future, sensitizing communities to the potential for change and mobilizing farmers to take charge of their own development.
02
Strong Farmer Groups
We establish farmer groups with strong leadership that serve as platforms for transferring appropriate agricultural technologies through participatory demonstrations and reflective learning.
03
Collaboration with LGAs
We collaborate closely with local government authorities, village leaders and government agricultural extension officers to ensure continuity of RIPAT and further spreading to surrounding communities.
frequently asked questions
Common questions about RECODA
Find answers to frequently asked questions about RECODA's programs, approach, and how we work with communities across Tanzania.
RECODA (Research, Community, and Organizational Development) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) indigenous to Tanzania, established in 2000. We work to bridge the technology gap in development through research, consultancy, capacity building, and community-based projects.
RIPAT (Rural Initiative for Participatory Agricultural Transformation) is RECODA's flagship program focused on empowering rural communities through sustainable agricultural practices. The program works with communities across Tanzania to improve food security and livelihoods through participatory approaches.
RECODA follows a participatory, community-centered approach. We begin with community assessments, collaboratively design programs based on local needs, provide capacity building and training, and work alongside communities to implement sustainable solutions. We ensure local ownership and long-term impact.
RECODA's core values are TACT: Transparency, Accountability, Creativity, and Teamwork. These values guide all our operations, ensuring we maintain integrity, take responsibility for our actions, foster innovative solutions, and work collaboratively with communities and partners.
our partners
Collaborating for greater impact
RECODA works in partnership with universities, international organizations, government agencies, and local CSOs to maximize our impact. Our key partners include Sokoine University, World Vision Tanzania, IDP (Iles de Paix), and various community-based organizations across Tanzania.
staff & structure
Organizational Leadership & Structure
RECODA's organizational structure ensures effective program delivery, quality training, and sustainable impact through dedicated leadership and field implementation teams.
01
Executive Director
The Executive Director (ED) is the overall leader of the Organization; he is responsible for the employees and project activities. The ED must constantly take time to nurture the organization's relationship with the local government authorities and other partners.
02
Programme Leader
The Programme Leader (PL) has overall responsibility for the project(s). An important task for the PL is to educate and guide the PMs and the POs so that they can provide quality training to the groups. The PL is fully responsible for the logistics of the procurement of project inputs.
03
Project Managers
The PM has the overall day-to-day responsibility for project support and training for the groups in the villages under the individual project. He/she coordinates the work of the POs who have been assigned to the project and supervises project activities and personnel.
04
Project Officers
The Project Officers (POs) are the people in direct contact with the participating farmers. Their work is to teach about and give practical training in new farming technologies, and to facilitate participatory learning by the members of the groups established for the project.
departments
Organizational Departments
RECODA operates through three key departments, each led by experienced professionals who ensure effective program delivery, research excellence, and financial accountability.
01
Programs
Led by Programme Leader (PL), this department hosts all projects which encompasses these themes: Community Economic Development; Food and Nutritional Security; and Environment, Climate Change and Agroecology. RECODA Academy provides capacity building of different stakeholders including Farmer groups, Lead farmers, Extension Officers, Leaders, Farmer Associations and Project staff from different organizations.
02
Research and Publication
Led by Research Coordinator (RC), this department collects data from new (baseline) and ongoing RIPAT projects to analyze and quantify project performance while producing publications from the work done. The research results are also used in advocacy and writing policy briefs. The department oversees consultancy work for resource mobilization.
03
Finance and Administration
Led by FAM, this department manages the assets and financial resources in the organization. They maintain good donor relationships through high level management of all financial resources, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial operations.
themes
Our Focus Areas
RECODA implements community economic development projects across key thematic areas, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable impact in rural communities.
01
Community Economic Development
RECODA implements community economic development projects in agriculture, environmental conservation, climate change and livestock. Our work focuses on income improvement, food and nutrition security, and sustainable use of natural resources.
02
Food and Nutritional Security
Through our programs, we improve food security and nutrition among rural communities by increasing crop yields, diversifying food sources, and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture that ensures households access adequate and nutritious food.
03
Climate Change and Agroecology
We promote climate-smart agricultural practices and agroecological approaches that build resilience to climate variability. Our programs help communities adapt to climate change while maintaining productive and environmentally friendly farming systems.
04
Community Microfinance Groups
We strengthen community-based microfinance groups such as VSLA and savings and lending associations to improve access to financial services in rural areas. Through training, mentorship and linkages to formal financial institutions, RECODA helps communities save, invest and reduce vulnerability to shocks.
collaboration
Strategic Partnerships
RECODA collaborates very closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Local Government Authorities (LGA), grassroots communities, and various national and international organizations. The main areas of cooperation include sharing of experiences, sourcing improved inputs, project implementation, the establishment of trial plots for studies (experimental learning), and technology transfer.
Key Partners Include:
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Local Government Authorities (LGA)
- Help to Self Help (PULS)
- Foundation for Civil Society Organizations (FCSOs)
- Tanzania Agricultural Research Institutes (TARIs)
- World Vision Tanzania
- Islands of Peace (IDP)
- McKnight Foundation
- Compassion International–Tanzania
- Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM)
- African Conservation Tillage (ACT)
- Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA)
- Hort/LITA – Tengeru
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
- Arusha NGOs Network (ANGONET)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) – Soil and water management department
The Organization has formalized agreements of partnership with SUA, TARIs, World Vision, PULS, IDP, and various district councils. RECODA conducts her activities with the view of national interest especially focusing on the Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP1 & ASDP2) and Tanzania vision 2025, Sustainable Development Goals and other national and international policies and strategies.
Using the RIPAT approach, RECODA has been collaborating with organizations in other countries and RIPAT projects have been implemented in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Nicaragua.