Upendo Kissima is a Rural Development and Livelihood Professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development and over five years of experience in community-driven development and livelihood programming in Tanzania. Since 2021, she has worked with Research Community and Organizational Development Associates (RECODA), supporting rural communities to strengthen livelihoods, improve household resilience, enhance food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable economic opportunities. Her expertise includes livelihood development, sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, capacity building, savings and lending groups, income-generating activities, farmer training, and participatory community development. She brings strong field-based experience in working directly with communities to identify local priorities, strengthen capacities, and facilitate practical solutions that contribute to sustainable change. Upendo is passionate about rural transformation and inclusive development, with a particular interest in initiatives that empower women, youth, and vulnerable households to achieve greater self-reliance and economic resilience. She is committed to promoting development approaches that are community-owned, practical, sustainable, and responsive to local needs. Through a combination of academic knowledge and practical field experience, Upendo contributes to the design, implementation, monitoring, and learning of development interventions aimed at improving household well-being, strengthening community capacity, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.