How Tanzanian scholar's research boosts ozone protection and climate resilience

As the world gathers for COP29, we want to highlight the work of Rehema Mrutu, a Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) scholar, recognized at COP28 in Dubai last year for her research contributions to a sustainable future.

Rehema is a Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Centre of Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria with research placement at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in USA.

Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led, World Bank-affiliated initiative, managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit.

With COP29 upon us, the world looks to build on environmental successes, such as the remarkable recovery of the ozone layer, showing that unified global action can bring real change.

We recently spoke with Rehema about her research and its connection to ozone layer protection—a topic that’s also high on the COP29 agenda:

Q: Can you share your journey and what inspired you to focus on climate change research, particularly in relation to the ozone layer? How has your background shaped your work on these crucial environmental issues?

A: I come from a cow farming family. And I have always been fascinated by any idea that boosted productivity because productive cows paid for my school fees. After my first degree at the University of Dar es Salaam, I pursued research on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in cows at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), as a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering. This led to publications that I later presented in a livestock conference. It was during this event that I first heard of the concept of lab meat as a strategy to curb methane– a potent greenhouse gas. This introduced me to the field of climate change and ignited my passion to find more sustainable ways to address the climate crisis while preserving the value of cows.

Because of my background in microbiology and molecular biology, the question then became how can we solve this at a molecular level? After reviewing the literature, I realized cows do not make methane, it’s the tiny little microorganisms called methanogens which are responsible for methane generation. With the help of genetic engineering tools like CRISPR technology I reasoned we could manipulate these organisms to stop producing methane and make other products that will enhance cows’ productivity. So, killing 2 birds with one stone. After three years of unsuccessful applications, I finally received a scholarship to pursue a PhD in a different area- maize fungus. One year into that project, my idea on mitigating cow methane emissions was recognized and funded by Rsif, and I could not think twice.

Q: How did your participation in COP28 impact you on both a personal and professional level? What significance did the recognition of your work hold for your ongoing efforts in climate change research?

A: Being recognized on a global stage like the COP28 in Dubai last year, confirmed that I am on the right path. Beyond the financial support, this recognition has expanded my network, provided access to world-class facilities, and connected me with leading experts in my field. I have had the opportunity to conduct research at prestigious methanogen facilities, such as the University of Connecticut (UConn), USA and Synthetic Biology Lab at Worcester Polytechnique Institute, USA. Additionally, I am now a member of Archaea Hour, a community that connects all archaea labs across America and Europe to facilitate the flow of knowledge, foster research collaborations and support outreach efforts. I’m also part of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, where members contribute significantly to advancing engineering, science, and technology.

Q: How has receiving the Rsif scholarship influenced your academic and professional path in climate research? Are there any key opportunities or experiences facilitated by the program that have been particularly instrumental in advancing your work?

A: This project would not have materialized without financial support from Rsif. Having a great idea is one thing, but without funding, it remains just an idea. Rsif has profoundly impacted my life beyond just the academic and professional spheres. The program’s unique structure, which allowed me to study at an African institution (in Nigeria) before undertaking research placements globally (in the USA), has been truly transformative. This experience has profoundly reshaped my perspectives, challenging me to adopt a more balanced and inclusive view of the world.

I have come to understand that solving complex problems, such as climate change, requires diverse perspectives and expertise from various disciplines and backgrounds. Sustainable solutions are built through collaborative efforts that incorporate a wide range of viewpoints and experiences.

Q: In what ways has Rsif’s focus on empowering African scholars helped bring your work to global platforms like COP28? Can you provide examples of how this international exposure has shaped your research and collaborations?

A: For me Rsif set a competitive and inspirational grounds which motivated me to work even harder. When you are given the opportunity to hear the journey of those who have excelled in your research interests, you see possibilities. I am deeply grateful for the Rsif seminars, workshops and trainings where invited guests shared their stories. These experiences broadened my perspective and helped me to develop research ideas that meet global standards.

Q: What is your perspective on the importance of African-led climate research, especially regarding the protection of the ozone layer and other pressing environmental challenges? How does your research contribute to filling those gaps?

A: It is true that African data is missing from the global stage, and Rsif is working to change that by empowering Africans to conduct research within our own contexts. This not only helps fill the gaps in global knowledge but also allows us to make informed decisions on greenhouse gas mitigation strategies tailored to our region. One of my objectives has been to profile microorganisms that directly or indirectly contribute to methane emissions from cows in Tanzania. Due to the limited data from our region, identifying some of these organisms has been challenging, as existing databases are often dominated by information from outside Africa. My research aims to address these gaps. We are currently conducting a global analysis to compare and understand where we stand. Preliminary findings from this work have also provided a solid foundation for our genetic engineering work on methanogens.

Q: How do you see your work contributing to building Africa’s capacity for climate research, particularly in addressing environmental sustainability and the preservation of the ozone layer?

A: My research has generated new insights into the rumen microbiome, paving the way for novel interventions to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The detailed profiles of rumen microorganisms responsible for methane production developed in this study are valuable for microbial-based animal breeding strategies aimed at protecting the ozone layer—contributing to the idea of “green cows.” If the engineered strain we are developing proves successful, it has the potential to extend beyond Africa.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision Rsif and similar initiatives shaping the future of climate research in Africa? How has being part of this program empowered you as a young scholar in this space?

A: As an Rsif awardee, I envision Rsif and similar initiatives playing a transformative role in shaping the future of climate research in Africa by fostering a new generation of scientists who are equipped with the skills, resources, and networks needed to address our continent’s unique climate challenges. Rsif’s focus on advanced training, collaboration, and research within Africa, combined with international exposure, is creating a dynamic research environment that encourages innovative, locally relevant solutions. By supporting high-impact research in areas like climate change and environmental sustainability, Rsif is helping to build a solid foundation for evidence-based policy-making and sustainable development across Africa.