Virginia Nyauma

PhD Candidate

Stellenbosch University

Virginia started her Ph.D. in January 2024 with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions in Stellenbosch University under the supervision of Dr Alta de Vos, Dr Duan Biggs and Dr Anna Haw. Her research will intricately explore the interplay of rangeland management as socio-ecological systems, conservation, and livelihood improvement in Africa. Seeking to bridge academia with real-world impact, Virginia aims to understand and provide effective solutions for sustainable and resilient rangeland management and conservation. Her work delves into the nuanced dynamics and complexities of adopting sustainable development practices and their profound impact on rural livelihoods in Africa.

She completed her master’s degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Africa Nazarene University, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Programming from Kenyatta University. Her master's research project focused on monitoring and evaluation interventions and the sustainability of community-based conservancies, specifically the case of Mara North Conservancy in Kenya, showcasing her commitment to impactful research. As a Kantar Public fellow on Applied Monitoring and Evaluation in Africa and an LGT fellow on data analytics, Virginia has accumulated over five years of invaluable experience as a research, monitoring, and evaluation specialist in the dynamic fields of conservation and environment management.