This project gave me the opportunity to explore two of my passions: food security and East Africa. I am humbled by the chance to delve into a very big topic, and to work in a region that has held my heart for many years.
This project would not have been possible without the help of many exceptional people.
Firstly, thank you to the Bill McWhinney Memorial fund for awarding me its scholarship and funding this trip. It gave me the luxury of safe travel and reliable internet.
Thank you to my advisor Allan Thompson for his feedback and for keeping me on track — I’m sorry I avoided your emails for so long.
Thank you to Roger Martin for his patience with myself and this website. Roger, you never faltered, even when I told you I had no idea what I was doing, and for that I am grateful.
My greatest thanks goes to my interview subjects and Tanzanian hosts. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and your homes, and for always being patient when it took me longer than you to get through all those bean fields.
Thank you to PABRA and Farm Radio International for showing me the ropes and letting me tag along on their farm visits.
Many thanks to Elisante Sandy for his hospitality, and for only laughing a little bit at this mzungu (white person) when he taught me how to slaughter a chicken. Asante sana.
Finally, thank you to my mother, Laurie McQuillan. You’re my hero, and every time I asked whether you’d still love me if I quit, and you said “no,” it helped.