Skip to content
Urban Planningfor Community Change
UPC staff and local government stakeholders walking a project site in Arusha
Our programmes

Liveable cities, stronger livelihoods

Two programmes that turn research into work on the ground, and a third that puts our researchers to work for governments, funders and partners.

How we work

The same method behind all three

Programmes differ in who they serve. The route from question to decision does not.

  1. Step 01

    Scope the problem

    We frame the question with the residents living it and the authority that owns it.

  2. Step 02

    Gather the evidence

    Primary data from the field: surveys, mapping, GIS and interviews, not borrowed conclusions.

  3. Step 03

    Build and test

    Parks, crossings and training delivered on the ground, then measured while in use.

  4. Step 04

    Move it into policy

    Results taken to councils, ministries and partners so they shape budgets and plans.

  • Benches, young trees and a swing frame on the Lemara park site
    Traders and shoppers at Kilombero market in Arusha
    Urban development

    Liveable Cities Solutions

    Practical, evidence-led work on public space, mobility and food systems for healthier, safer cities and towns.

    • Climate-resilient urban development
    • Healthy and inclusive public spaces
    • Active mobility
    • Sustainable local food systems
    • +2 more
    Explore programme

    9 projects delivered under this programme

  • Students and researchers outside the Faculty of Education during a UPC field visit
    Residents meeting with UPC staff in an open community space
    Community development

    Youth, Women, Livelihoods & Inclusive Community Development

    Skills, livelihoods and a real voice in local decisions for young people, women and low-income urban communities.

    • Youth empowerment
    • Women's economic empowerment
    • Skills and entrepreneurship
    • Community-led initiatives
    • +3 more
    Explore programme

    1 project delivered under this programme

  • Residents and UPC researchers meeting on open ground in Arusha
    Aerial design view of the Nampula campus masterplan
    Advisory services

    Research, Consultancy and Technical Support

    Research design, evaluation, MEL and technical support for governments, funders and civil society partners.

    • Project design, planning and management
    • Research design and implementation
    • Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL)
    • Data collection and analysis
    • +4 more
    Explore programme

    13 projects delivered under this programme

Work with us

Looking for a research partner in Tanzania?

We take on work from study design through to delivery, across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Start a conversation+255 784 210 415