Mary Sothi
Project Officer
NOURISH Project - Chipogoro, Dodoma
Mary Julius Sothi is a rural development professional with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in community mobilization, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), nutrition education, entrepreneurship skills, problem solving, data collection, data entry and reporting. Driven by a commitment to poverty alleviation, gender equity and sustainable livelihoods, she works effectively with local communities, NGOs and government agencies to foster inclusive growth in underserved regions. She does this through the Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation (RIPAT) approach. She is known for her strong communication skills, teamwork and transparency. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rural Development from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro (2020–2023).
Mary began her career at Care Youth Foundation in Morogoro District Council. Where she supported youth empowerment and community outreach initiatives, her responsibilities included supporting local initiatives in entrepreneurship, education, health awareness and social support for vulnerable groups, as well as conducting data collection and community mobilization. Also she served as a field assistant to ward officials at Tungi Ward in Morogoro District Council, where she helped deliver community development and health programs, took part in household visits, data gathering and awareness campaigns.
In the year 2020 to 2023, she also volunteered with the Rural Development Volunteering Association (RDVA) and the Youth Development Organization (YDOS) In Sokoine University of Agriculture. In these roles she contributed to rural development projects and environmental awareness, mentored young people, and promoted civic education and leadership among youth.
In January 2024, Mary joined Niyopalu Online TV as a Community Educator. In this role she educated audiences on entrepreneurship and community development, while building strong communication, public speaking and audience engagement skills. The experience strengthened her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and to deliver impactful messages that inspire positive change.
Up to date, Since December 2024, Mary has been working with RECODA as a Project Officer on the Nourish Project in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region. She works closely with farmers, women, youth and community groups to promote sustainable agriculture, kitchen gardening, nutrition education, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and income-generating activities. She mobilizes farmers and local stakeholders for training and awareness sessions, promotes improved agricultural practices and nutrition-sensitive farming, and works with extension officers to monitor project progress and prepare regular reports.
Mary is skilled in SWOC analysis and in digital data collection and reporting, including tallying and entering quality data into Kobo Toolbox. She has successfully managed, collected and reported field data on crop production and household nutrition.
She is passionate about empowering communities to improve food security, increase household income and adopt healthy practices that support long-term well-being. Through
training, mentoring and field-based interventions, she is committed to fostering sustainable, community-driven development.
She is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and fluent in English and Swahili. She also has practical skills in liquid soap production, including formulation, safe handling of chemicals and training community members in household soap-making as a tool for income generation.
Mary began her career at Care Youth Foundation in Morogoro District Council. Where she supported youth empowerment and community outreach initiatives, her responsibilities included supporting local initiatives in entrepreneurship, education, health awareness and social support for vulnerable groups, as well as conducting data collection and community mobilization. Also she served as a field assistant to ward officials at Tungi Ward in Morogoro District Council, where she helped deliver community development and health programs, took part in household visits, data gathering and awareness campaigns.
In the year 2020 to 2023, she also volunteered with the Rural Development Volunteering Association (RDVA) and the Youth Development Organization (YDOS) In Sokoine University of Agriculture. In these roles she contributed to rural development projects and environmental awareness, mentored young people, and promoted civic education and leadership among youth.
In January 2024, Mary joined Niyopalu Online TV as a Community Educator. In this role she educated audiences on entrepreneurship and community development, while building strong communication, public speaking and audience engagement skills. The experience strengthened her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and to deliver impactful messages that inspire positive change.
Up to date, Since December 2024, Mary has been working with RECODA as a Project Officer on the Nourish Project in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region. She works closely with farmers, women, youth and community groups to promote sustainable agriculture, kitchen gardening, nutrition education, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and income-generating activities. She mobilizes farmers and local stakeholders for training and awareness sessions, promotes improved agricultural practices and nutrition-sensitive farming, and works with extension officers to monitor project progress and prepare regular reports.
Mary is skilled in SWOC analysis and in digital data collection and reporting, including tallying and entering quality data into Kobo Toolbox. She has successfully managed, collected and reported field data on crop production and household nutrition.
She is passionate about empowering communities to improve food security, increase household income and adopt healthy practices that support long-term well-being. Through
training, mentoring and field-based interventions, she is committed to fostering sustainable, community-driven development.
She is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and fluent in English and Swahili. She also has practical skills in liquid soap production, including formulation, safe handling of chemicals and training community members in household soap-making as a tool for income generation.