Upendo Kissima

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.