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Eastern Africa Centre

The Eastern Africa Centre (EAC) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a dynamic hub for collaborative, interdisciplinary research advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Our Mission

We aim to conduct research across the Eastern Africa region and beyond. Our research fosters equitable and sustainable partnerships with a transdisciplinary focus on health, social, and ecological wellbeing issues.

We will achieve this by:

  • Providing a platform to develop networks, research, public engagement and dissemination from researchers, practitioners, students, and relevant stakeholders from a range of sectors and disciplines.
  • Co-creating applied research which addresses regionally relevant issues with a community and participatory approach and intersectional focus.
  • Supporting the next generation of research, policy, and practice leaders through educational and leadership opportunities between the UK and African countries.

Membership & Expert Roster

There are benefits and opportunities available to you by joining our Eastern Africa Centre or EAC Expert Roster.

EAC membership is open to anyone with an interest in research in the Eastern Africa region. We provide opportunities to support, facilitate, and enhance high quality research.

As a member, you will receive regular news bulletins with updates, alerts about funding calls, project news and information about our events. If you are running your own event, please contact us so we can share with our network and if feasible, provide organisational and publicity support.

If you would like to be involved please complete our join the Eastern Africa Centre form.

Benefits include:

  • Access to an extensive network of experienced researchers for technical expertise.
  • Comprehensive support for the development of large-scale funding bids.
  • Assistance with event organisation and publicity.
  • Opportunities to establish multidisciplinary research partnerships.
  • Access to an online platform to showcase your research through blogs, social media, articles and events.

Opportunities for developing research leadership & education:

  • PhD scholarships for research focused on the Eastern Africa region.
  • Work placement opportunities.
  • A platform to share related jobs and other opportunities.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Seminar series.

Are you interested in conducting research relevant to Africa? We invite technical experts from all sectors to join our Expert Roster, which we use to identify individuals for research and consultancy opportunities. We welcome experts from across Africa, NTU colleagues, and those with regional research expertise. We are looking for a diverse range of technical skills across multiple disciplines.

Join our Expert Roster to participate in upcoming research projects and funding bids.

For further information contact us at eac@ntu.ac.uk.

Research

The Eastern Africa Centre focuses on conducting transdisciplinary research through equitable partnerships, co-created applied research, and support to the next generation of research leaders.

Discover our research

Partnerships

The EAC works across several capacity strengthening and mobility projects with our partner universities in the Eastern Africa region.

Discover our partnerships

Early Career and Leadership Networks

The Eastern Africa PhD Hub, AfrIE Research Hub,  Africa and Middle East Network and Pan-African Mental Health Research Network (PAMHRN) serve as platforms to foster connections and collaborations between UK academics and regional partners. These initiatives promote network development, expertise development, and knowledge transfer across a range of subjects.

Who we are

There are a number of staff, students and collaborators working with the Eastern Africa Centre.

Burkino Faso

Canada

Ethiopia

Ghana

International

Kenya

Malawi

Nigeria

Rwanda

South Africa

Switzerland

Uganda

United States

UK

Zimbabwe

Director: Professor Mazeda Hossain

Coordinator: Mr Jonathan Conway

Steering group members:

An Advisory Board, with membership from across our partner network in the region as well as the local Nottinghamshire area, will steer the direction of the Eastern Africa Centre and provide valuable input and oversight of the activities taking place.

Research publications

Full details of all EAC members' publications can be found on the Institutional Repository of Nottingham Trent University. A selection of recent publications are listed below.

1. Arthur Bagonza, Linda Gibson, Lydia Kabiri, Chris Bezalel, Saravu Rama Bhat Narahari, Peter J. Franks, David Musoke, Christine Moffatt. Exploring barriers to accessing treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis through a socio-ecological lens in Buvuma and Napak districts, Uganda. Published: January 9, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012747

2. Bezeng S. Bezeng, Gabriel Ameka, Chia Michelle Valérie Angui, Laura Atuah, Fortuné Azihou, Yanis Bouchenak-Khelladi, Frank Carlisle, Bi Tra Serges Doubi, Orou G. Gaoue, Wenceslas Gatarabirwa, Consolata Gitau, Craig Hilton-Taylor, Alex Hipkiss, Rodrigue Idohou, Beth A. Kaplin, Lucy Kemp, Jacqueline S. Mbawine, Vincent Logah, Paul Matiku, Paul Kariuki Ndan, 2025. An African perspective to biodiversity conservation in the twenty-first century. Published in 'Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B - Biological Sciences', 09 January 2025, https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2023.0443.

    1. Sodi, T., Abas, M., Abdulaziz, M. et al. A research agenda for mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. Nat Med 30, 616–617 (2024).

    2. Musoke D, Lubega G, Twesigye B, Nakachwa B, Obeng Brown M, Gibson L. Enhancing the capacity of community health workers in prevention and control of epidemics and pandemics in Wakiso district, Uganda: evaluation of a pilot project. BMC Primary Care, Published: 17 July 2024, Volume 25, article number 260, (2024)

    3. Lilja J, Ferrari G, Alvarado J, Fabich LA, Gulzhan AK, Kenny L, Hossain M. Territorial control by non-state armed groups and gendered access to healthcare in conflict using a new complex adaptive systems framework. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Nature) 11, 855 (2024).

    4. Ashraf Alkhtib, Ali Samool, Muhanad Muna, Metekia Tamiru, Muhammad Naeem, Chris Chinemere Onuoha, Jane Wamatu, Emily Burton. Assessing limitations in published camel feeding studies: implications for smart feeding practices in meat and milk production, Front. Anim. Sci., 28 June 2024,

    5. Hossain, M., Raftery,P.,  Usta, J., Palmer, J., 2024  A positive yet complicated case of gender-based violence coordination: a qualitative study of Lebanon's protracted humanitarian emergency, 2012-22. Disasters. 2024 Jun 4.

    6. Musoke, D., Lubega, G.B., Nabbanja, C.E., Nakalawa, S., Niyongabo, F., Winter, J., Brown Obeng, M., Brandish, C., Russell-Hobbs, K., Musoke, I.K., Herbert, B., Mugisha, L. and Gibson, L., 2024. P16 Centre of excellence on antimicrobial stewardship in Central Uganda. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, 6 (Supp 1): dlad143.02. ISSN 2632-1823

    7. Mengesha, A., Bastiaens, H., Ravinetto, R., Gibson, L.  and Dingwall, R., 2024. Substandard and falsified medicines in African pharmaceutical markets: a case study from Ethiopia. Social Science and Medicine, 349: 116882. ISSN 0277-9536

    8.  David Musoke, Suzan Nakalawa, Michael Obeng Brown, Grace Biyinzika Lubega, Linda Gibson. Experiences of Research Coproduction in Uganda; Comment on “Research Coproduction: An Underused Pathway to Impact” International Journal of Health Policy  and Management (IJHPM).  10.34172/ijhpm.8806

  1. Gibson, L., Ikhile, D., Nyashanu, M. and Musoke, D., 2023. Health Promotion Research in International Settings: A Shared Ownership Approach for North-South Partnerships. In: Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 3: Doing Health Promotion Research (pp. 263-272). Cham: Springer International Publishing
  2. Article: Spineless cactus cladode is a viable replacement to barley and maize grains in the feed rations of dromedary camel calves. Ashraf Alkhtib, Muhannad Muna, Mohammad Darag, Iyad Alkhalid, Ziad Al-asa'ad, Hanaa Mfeshi, Roba Zayod, Emily Burton, 25 July 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1227,  Vetinary medicine and Science, Volume 9, Issue 5, Pages 2368-2375.
  3. Lubega GB, Musoke D, Nakalawa S, Brandish C, Ng BY, Niyongabo F, Kitutu FE, Gheer J, Winter J, Brown MO, Russell-Hobbs K, Mugisha L, Gibson L. Scaling-Up Interventions for Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship Using a One Health Approach in Wakiso District, Uganda. In: Medical Sciences Forum. 2023; 15(1):7.
  4. Bowyer M, Hassen HY, Bastiaens H, Gibson, L. Psychometric evaluation of the ‘Attitudes and Beliefs about Cardiovascular Disease (ABCD) Risk Questionnaire’ with validation of a previously untested ‘Intentions and Beliefs around Smoking’ subscale In: BMJ Open 2023;13:e054532. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054532
  5. Thiombane, Matar; De Vivo, Benedetto; Niane, Birane; Watts, Michael J; Marriott, Andrew L; Di Bonito, Marcello (2023). A new hazard assessment workflow to assess soil contamination from large and artisanal scale gold mining. In: “Environmental Geochemistry and Health”, 45, pages 5067–5091 [Scientific article]
  6. Leresche E, Hossain M, De Rubeis ML, Hermans V, Burtscher D, Rossi R, Lonsdale C, Singh NS. How is the implementation of empirical research results documented in conflict‑affected settings? Findings from a scoping review of peer‑reviewed literature. Conflict & Health. 17, 39 (Aug 2023).
  7. Apgar M, Fournie G, Haesler B, Higdon GL, Kenny L, Oppel A, Pauls E, Smith M, Snijder M, Vink D, Hossain M. Revealing the Relational Mechanisms of Research for Development Through Social Network Analysis. The European Journal of Development Research 35, 323–350 (2023).
  8. Leresche E, Hossain M, Rossi R, Truppa C, Barth CA, Mactaggart I, Leaning J, Singh N. Do we really want to know? The journey to implement empirical research recommendations in ICRC's responses in Myanmar and Lebanon. Disasters. 2023, 47(2):437-463.
  9. Zhang W, Eike D, Pasquero L, Mahieu A, Staderini N, Blanchet K, Hossain M. Mandatory reporting of sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian settings: A qualitative analysis of international guidelines for humanitarian practitioners and scoping review of existing evidence. Global Journal of Medicine & Public Health. (July 2023) Special Issue-2023. ISSN: 2277-9604.
  10. Raftery P, Usta J, Kiss L, Palmer J, Hossain M. Gender based violence (GBV) coordination in a complex, multi-crisis context: a qualitative case study of Lebanon’s compounded crises (2019–2023).  Conflict & Health 17, 50 (2023).
  11. Simba, A., & Tajeddin, M. (2023). Enabling economic and social change in sub-Saharan Africa: An informal economy perspective. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, p2350022.
  12. Simba, A., Ojong, N. & Dana, L–P., (2023). Informal entrepreneurship: A review and prioritization of research opportunities. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 28(2), 1–24. Article No. 2350013.
  13. Simba, A., Wang, A., & del Olmo García, F. (2023). Deconstructing self–organisation in micro–entrepreneurship: A social embeddedness perspective. Journal of Business Research, 162(2023)
  14. Simba, A., Oyedele, O., BRAUNE, E., & Dana, L–P. (2023). Community financing in entrepreneurship: A focus on women entrepreneurs in the developing world. Journal of Business Research, 163(2023)
  15. Musoke D, Gibson L, Lubega G, Gbadesire M, Boateng S, Twesigye B, Gheer J, Nakachwa B, Obeng Brown M, Brandish C, Winter J, Ng B Y, Russell-Hobbs K.  Antimicrobial stewardship in private pharmacies in Wakiso district, Uganda: a qualitative study. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 16, Article number: 147 (2023)
  16. Ackrill, R., Igudia, E., Olusanya, O. and Oyalowo, B. (2023) Street level bureaucrats, policy entrepreneurship, and discretion in enforcing bans on motorcycle taxis in Lagos, Nigeria. European Policy Analysis, 9, 440–464.
  17. Ackrill, R. and Olusanya, O. (2023) Traffic jams are overwhelming Africa’s biggest city – here’s what could help. The Conversation.
  18. Igudia, E., Olusanya, O., Oyalowo, B. and Ackrill, R. (2023) Inclusive poverty reduction: In search of a policy framework to support individuals operating in the informal economy in Lagos, Nigeria. Policy Report and Recommendations.

  1. Tarah, A. and Sood, K. ,2022. Participatory action research: challenges and opportunities of undertaking indigenous approach in examining school leadership in a conflict-affected zone. In: M.F. Mbah, W. Leal Filho and S. Ajaps, eds., Indigenous methodologies, research and practices for sustainable development. World sustainability series . Cham: Springer, pp. 413-428. ISBN 9783031123252.
  2. Bashford-Squires, S., Gibson, L., Nyashanu, M. (2022). Mitigating Gender-Based Violence Through the Economic Empowerment of Women: A Case Study of the Teso Sub-Region in Uganda. In: Mbah, M.F., Leal Filho, W., Ajaps, S. (eds) Indigenous Methodologies, Research and Practices for Sustainable Development. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham.
  3. Gibson, L., Ikhile, D., Nyashanu, M. and Musoke, D., 2022. Investing in Health Promotion Research Among Community Health Workers in Semi-rural Uganda Using a Partnership Approach. In: Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1 (pp. 181-197). Springer, Cham.
  4. Nyashanu, M., Lusota, D.A., Muddu, M. and Mbalinda, S.N., 2022. Effect of COVID 19 on older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in a less developed country. African Journal of AIDS Research.21:2, 207-212, DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2091464
  5. Ikhile D, Omodara D, Seymour-Smith S, Musoke D and Gibson L (2022) “Some They Need Male, Some They Need Female”: A Gendered Approach for Breast Cancer Detection in Uganda. Front. Glob. Womens Health 3:746498. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.746498.
  6. Musoke, D., Nyashanu, M., Bugembe, H., Lubega, G.B., O’Donovan, J., Halage, A.A. and Gibson, L., 2022. Contested notions of challenges affecting community health workers in low- and middle-income countries informed by the Silences Framework. Human Resources for Health, 20: 4. ISSN 1478-4491
  7. Gibson, L., Almighty, N., Anthierens, S., Mothiba, T.M. and Bastiaens, H., 2022. Cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion in times of a pandemic: a global health case study. Ethical Evidence and Policymaking, p.201-218 (18 pages).
  8. Hassen, H.Y., Bowyer, M., Gibson, L., Abrams, S. and Bastiaens, H., 2022. Level of cardiovascular disease knowledge, risk perception and intention towards healthy lifestyle and socioeconomic disparities among adults in vulnerable communities of Belgium and England. In: BMC Public Health, 22(1), pp.1-9.
  9. Kenny L, Lokot M, Bhatia A, Hassan R, Pryor S, Dagadu NA, Aden AH, Bacchus LJ, Hossain, M* & Cislaghi B*. Gender norms and family planning amongst pastoralists in Kenya: a qualitative study in Wajir and Mandera, (2022) Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 30:1.
  10. Kenny L, Bhatia A, Lokot M, Hassan Ra, Aden A.H, Muriuki, A, Ahmed O, Ibrahim K, Pryor S, Bacchus L.J., Cislaghi B, Hossain, M (2022) Improving provision of family planning among pastoralists in Kenya: perspectives from health care providers, community and religious leaders. Global Public Health. 17.8, 1594-1610.
  11. Lowe H, Kenny L, Hassan R, Bacchus LJ, Njoroge P, Dagadu NA, Hossain M, Cislaghi B. (2022) 'If she gets married when she is young, she will give birth to many kids': a qualitative study of child marriage practices amongst nomadic pastoralist communities in Kenya. Culture, Health & Sexuality. 24:7, 886-901.
  12. Raftery P, Hossain M, Palmer J, A conceptual framework for analysing partnership and synergy in a global health alliance: case of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, Health Policy and Planning, Volume 37, Issue 3, March 2022, Pages 322–336.
  13. Raftery P, Howard N, Palmer J, Hossain M. Gender-based violence coordination in humanitarian and public health emergencies: a scoping review. Conflict and Health 16, 37 (2022).
  14. Penny, S. G., Withey, M. White, R. L., Mactavish, L., Scott, D. M. & Pernetta, A. D. 2022. Changes in social dominance in a group of subadult white rhinoceroses ( Ceratotherium simum ) after dehorning. In: African Zoology 57(1):1-11.

  1. Gibson, L., Moffatt, C.R., Narahari, SN., Kabiri, L., Ikhile,D., Nchafack, A., Dring,E., Kousthubha, SR, Gorry,J. Global Knowledge Gaps in Equitable Delivery of Chronic Edema Care: A Political Economy Case Study Analysis Lymphatic Research and Biology. Oct 2021.
  2. Mbalinda, S.N., Bakeera-Kitaka, S., Lusota, D.A., Musoke, P., Nyashanu, M. and Kaye, D.K., 2021. Transition to adult care: exploring factors associated with transition readiness among adolescents and young people in adolescent ART clinics in Uganda. PLOS ONE, 16 (4): e0249971. ISSN 1932-6203.
  3. D’Odorico, G., Hossain, M., Jamal, E., Scarpassa do Prado, D., Roberts, C. and Palmer, J., 2021. A rapid assessment of the gender-based violence (GBV) situation and response in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. London: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
  4. Musoke D, Namata C, Lubega GB, Kitutu FE, Mugisha L, Amir S, Brandish C, Gonza J, Ikhile D, Niyongabo F, Ng BY, O'Driscoll J, Russell-Hobbs K, Winter J, Gibson L. Access, use and disposal of antimicrobials among humans and animals in Wakiso district, Uganda: a qualitative study. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2021 Aug 20;14(1):69.
  5. Hossain M, Pearson RJ, Mcalpine A, Bacchus LJ, Spangaro J, Muthuri S, Muuo S, Franchi G, Hess T, Bangha M. and Izugbara C. Gender-based violence and its association with mental health among Somali women in a Kenyan refugee camp: a latent class analysis. J Epidemiology Community Health. 2021; 75:327-334.
  6. Raftery, P., Hossain, M. & Palmer, J. An innovative and integrated model for global outbreak response and research: a case study of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST). BMC Public Health. 21, 1378 (2021).
  7. Kenny L, Hassan R, Bacchus L, Smith M, Shell-Duncan B, Dadadu NA, Muriuki A, Aden AH, Ibrahim AJ, Cislaghi B, Hossain M. Reproductive health decision making among nomadic pastoralists in North Eastern Kenya: a qualitative social network analysis. Reproductive Health, 18, 108 (2021).
  8. Devries K, Balliet M, Thornhill K, Knight L, Procureur F, N'Djoré YAB, N'Guessan DGF, Merrill KG, Dally M, Allen E, Hossain M, Cislaghi B, Tanton C, Quintero L. Can the 'Learn in peace, educate without violence' intervention in Cote d'Ivoire reduce teacher violence? Development of a theory of change and formative evaluation results. BMJ Open. 2021;11:e044645.
  9. Penny, S. G., White, R. L., Mactavish, D., Mactavish, L., Scott, D. M. & Pernetta, A. D. 2021. No evidence that horn trimming affects white rhinoceros horn use during comfort behaviour and resource access. In: Animal Biology.
  10. Masters L, 'Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and digital diplomacy: (Re)Negotiating the international knowledge structure.' In 'South African Journal of International Affairs', Vol 28, 2021 - Issue 3: Digital Diplomacy in Africa.

  1. Mbalinda, S.N., Kaye, D.K., Nyashanu, M., Kiwanuka, N. and Gaspar, R., 2020. Using Andersen's behavioral model of health care utilization to assess contraceptive use among sexually active perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda. International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2020: 8016483. ISSN 2356-7104
  2. Musoke D, Kitutu FE, Mugisha L, Amir S, Brandish C, Ikhile D, Kajumbula H, Kizito IM, Lubega GB, Niyongabo F, Ng BY, O’Driscoll J, Russell-Hobbs K, Winter J, Gibson L. A One Health Approach to Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wakiso District, Uganda. Antibiotics. 2020; 9(11):764.
  3. Hossain M, Pearson, R., Mcalpine, A., Bacchus, L., Muuo, S.W., Muthuri, S.K., Spangaro, J., Kuper, H., Franchi, G., Pla Cordero, R., Cornish-Spencer, S., Hess, T., Bangha, M. And Izugbara, C., (2020) Disability, violence, and mental health among Somali refugee women in a humanitarian setting. Global Mental Health. Cambridge University Press, 7, p. e30.
  4. Mcalpine A, Bacchus LJ, Muuo SW , Muthuri SK, Bangha M, Izugbara C, Franchi G, Hess T, Spangaro J, Pearson R, Hossain M. (2020) Research challenges in evaluating gender-based violence response services in a refugee camp: Expected and unexpected barriers to a longitudinal mixed methods research design. Global Health Action. 13:1.
  5. Vaillant J, Koussoubé E, Roth D, Pierotti R, Hossain M, Falb KL. Engaging men to transform inequitable gender attitudes and prevent intimate partner violence: a cluster randomised controlled trial in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Global Health. 2020;5:e002223.
  6. Kiss L, Quinlan-Davidson M, Pasquero L, Tejero PO, Hogg C, Theis J, Park A, Zimmerman C, Hossain M. Male and LGBT survivors of sexual violence in conflict situations: a realist review of health interventions in low-and middle-income countries. Conflict & Health. 2020 Feb 26; 14:11.
  7. Muuo S, Muthuri SK, Mutua MK, Mcalpine A, Bacchus LJ, Ogego H, Bangha M, Hossain M* & Izugbara C*. Barriers and facilitators to care-seeking among survivors of gender-based violence in the Dadaab refugee complex. Sexual & Reproductive Health Matters. Feb 2020. 28:1. [* Joint senior authors]
  8. Izugbara C, Muthuri S, Muuo S, Egesa C, Franchi G, Mcalpine A, Bacchus L, Hossain M. “They say our work is not halal”: Experiences and challenges of refugee community workers involved in gender-based violence prevention and care in Dadaab, Kenya. 2020. Journal of Refugee Studies. 33 (3), Pp. 521-536. ISSN 0951-6328.
  9. Penny, S. G., White, R. L., Mactavish, D., Mactavish, L., Scott, D. M. & Pernetta, A. D. 2020a. Does dehorning lead to a change in inter-calf intervals in free-ranging white rhinoceros? In: Pachyderm, 61, 191-193.
  10. Penny, S. G., White, R. L., Mactavish, L., Scott, D. M. & Pernetta, A. P. 2020b. Negligible hormonal response following dehorning in free-ranging white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).

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