Who Are We?
Who We Are
Mandera Climate Resilience Institute, often referred to as CRIM, is an interdisciplinary institute advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in East Africa through research excellence, capacity building and expert consultancy services.
Founded by African climate and development experts, CRIM was established to bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and community action. We work with communities, policymakers, and development partners to strengthen environmental management, boost disaster preparedness, and foster innovation in climate adaptation.
From rural farmers safeguarding their water sources to city planners greening urban spaces, we support efforts at all levels to ensure people and nature thrive together.
Our Mission
To advance climate resilience and sustainable development in East Africa through research and capacity building. We leverage knowledge and skills to empower those most vulnerable to climate impacts, turning research into solutions on the ground.
Our Vision
A climate-secure future for African communities and ecosystems. In our vision, African societies successfully adapt to climate change, and healthy natural ecosystems are the foundation of resilient livelihoods and economies.
Our Approach
In all our work, we emphasize:
Community-Driven Solutions: We put communities at the heart of climate action. Local knowledge and participation drive our projects – from planning to implementation. By engaging youth, women, and community leaders, we ensure solutions are culturally appropriate and owned by the people they serve. This bottom-up approach builds local capacity and lasting impact.
Nature-Based Solutions: We champion solutions that harness nature’s power to protect and heal. Whether it’s restoring floodplains to wetlands or planting trees to prevent erosion, working with nature yields sustainable resilience. we support communities adapt to climate change and safeguard the environment.
Innovation and Learning: True to our slogan, we “make a difference, differently” by fostering innovation. We encourage fresh ideas, scientific research, and new technologies to tackle climate challenges. We also create space for knowledge-sharing – through workshops, webinars, and an active learning network – so that successful solutions can be scaled and replicated across Africa.
Partnerships and collaboration: We believe that partnerships and collaboration are key to our approach. We work hand-in-hand with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and international partners to align efforts with national development plans and global frameworks.