DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

PHILOSOPHY 

In a world fractured by the effects of environmental degradation, political turmoil, economic crises and chronic famine it is self-evident that cultures of peace depend on good governance and equitable access, utilization and distribution of natural resources. Transformative leaders and change agents with a multidisciplinary practical knowledge on resource economy, policy, legal pluralism, community mobilization skills and appropriate participatory approaches are required to assist communities in sustainable utilization of resources as well as develop policy and generate research data that would guide integrated environmental management. In response to needed human capacity in this area, the institute has developed a multidisciplinary and experiential learning program in peace and environmental studies.

 

RATIONALE

Traditional education often produces learners who find it difficult to link the knowledge they have gained with the realities they face, thereby limiting their immediate relevance to the world of work. In contrast, experiential learning emphasizes engaging in critical thinking and taking the classroom and book learning to encounter the real world in all its complexity. It enables students to be more action-ready with their knowledge, able to engage directly with real-world problem-solving. Issues pertaining to the nexus of environment, governance and peace are by definition intricate, unyielding to simplified thought or courses of action. This course will therefore infuse experiences that allow students to interact with real life situations – including working in communities – and requires them to give well-thought-out inputs into those communities. Reflections arising from these experiences will result in the kind of depth that characterizes true agents of change.

The graduates from the programme will represent a critical mass of key researchers, all trained in trans-disciplinary research, while still representing different scientific traditions and backgrounds and forming an inspiring and cross-pollinating education and research circle. The researchers will address natural resource conflicts and offer solutions for peace building. Further, the graduate will offer authoritative transformative leadership in environmental issues, do research and teach at universities.   

 

 

OBJECTIVES

 

i.  To provide students with interdisciplinary training in development, legal pluralism, environmental and conflict management, and integrative governance approaches.

ii. To develop graduates who have a holistic understanding of environmental issues and their connections to livelihoods, peace, and sustainability.

iii. To train key researchers through interdisciplinary research methods, allowing them to address complex environmental challenges from multiple perspectives.

iv. To create a network of researchers from diverse backgrounds who can collaborate and share ideas to find solutions to natural resource conflicts.

v. To produce graduates who are capable of offering transformative leadership in environmental issues, promoting sustainability and peacebuilding.

vi. To prepare graduates for careers in academia, including research and teaching positions at universities.

 

GOAL 

Overall, the program aims to produce a group of graduates who are equipped to make significant contributions to the field of environmental governance and management, by integrating diverse perspectives and approaches to address complex environmental challenges, and by providing leadership in promoting sustainability and peacebuilding.

 

MODE OF DELIVERY

Full time

The programme is delivered through a variety of face-to-face methods such as tutorials, experiential field exercises, practical exercises, seminars, individual and/or group assignments and presentations.

Open, Distance Learning, and e-Learning (ODeL)

The ODeL mode of study is offered using multi-media approach, including a variety of self-instructional print and electronic study materials. In addition, there is limited face to face instructional mode during residential training. Face to face instruction shall not exceed one third (1/3) of the instructional time.

 

Blended

This mode combines the face to face leaning and online learning delivery methods.

Currently due to Covid 19 containment measures, all programmes are offered online through various Learning Management Platforms approved by the University of Nairobi Senate. This include the following eClass ,SOMAS, ,Mtihani  Microsoft teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Big blue button, the Student Management Information System (SMIS), University of Nairobi Learning Management Systems.

 

CONTACTS OF PERSONS 

The Director,
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies
P. O. Box 29053-00625
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tele. No. : +254 20 2506448 / 0721109841
Email: wmi@uonbi.ac.ke
Helpdesk: wmihelp@uonbi.ac.ke
Programme Coordinator: tthenya@uonbi.ac.ke

Physical Location: College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences,
Upper Kabete, off Kapenguria road.

 

For more information visit the Website