Mukengi: Training programme in applied science for social and climate justice

Abstract

Mukengi empowers Black and Indigenous researchers to become scientific leaders of food and climate transformation in Brazil’s most vulnerable regions.

By combining digital innovation, agroecology and ancestral knowledge, the capacity-building programme builds inclusive pathways for science that serve communities on the frontlines of inequality and climate change.

Partners

Scaling partners

Instituto Clima e Sociedade, Serrapilheira Foundation, NGOs and Local associations

Innovation partners

Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB), Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Demand partners

Quilombola and Indigenous communities (IPLCs), Federal Government (Ministries of Racial Equality, Science and Technology, and Environment)

Financing

USD 5 million (2026-2036)

Challenge

Food systems in Brazil’s North and Northeast are marked by deep structural inequities. Communities most affected by hunger and climate vulnerability, Black, Indigenous, quilombola, and peripheral populations, have not been included in science, technology and innovation processes. In order to adopt appropriate and inclusive innovations, these communities have to be included in their design and development.

Solution

Mukengi is a pioneering Brazilian programme that equips Black and Indigenous researchers to design and implement science and technology-based solutions for food systems transformation. It operates through three integrated pillars:

1. Critical and Epistemological Scientific Training
2. Applied Research with a Community Focus
3. Mentorship, Monitoring, and Mobilisation

Impact

Reach

• Over 60 Black and Indigenous researchers trained since 2020
• Alumni now leading community-based research and policy work across Brazil (evidenced by their ongoing research outputs, published papers, and leadership in community-based initiatives → Success stories and Testimonials available)

Example innovations

Real-Time Hunger Monitoring Platform
A participatory digital tool that maps food insecurity in real time through community-led data collection using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA). Empowers communities and policymakers with localized, actionable insights.
www.ondetemfome.com
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Tekoa
An Indigenous-inspired digital platform connecting ancestral knowledge and modern technology to promote collective, sustainable energy use.
‍tekoa.institutomancala.com
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Reciclo
A circular economy app linking communities, cooperatives, and industries for recyclable material exchange, supporting local income and green innovation.

Scaling plan

Mukengi will scale at a regional level within Brazil, expanding across the North and Northeast while consolidating a country-wide model of inclusive, community-driven science and technology training.

• 2030 onwards: Establish Mukengi as a national reference model for inclusive science in food systems transformation, with potential replication across Latin America.
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• 2026–2027: Consolidate operations in Bahia, Maranhão, Pará, and Amazonas; strengthen community engagement, expand academic partnerships, and pilot the two research lines (food insecurity monitoring and sustainable food systems).
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• 2028–2029: Expand to additional territories in the North and Northeast, integrating more universities, community-based organisations, and youth networks.

Enablers

Supportive policy environment for racial equity and climate justice, strong community demand, institutional backing from academia and government, and cultural legitimacy rooted in Black and Indigenous leadership.

Contact

Rosani Valéria Marcelina Matoso Silva, Co-founder and President- Instituto Mancala - rosanimatoso@institutomancala.org - Phone +5571988264780