When joining PERIPERI U, UDM had already had already developed some capacity in disaster risk reduction, but hosted no courses specifically on disaster risk reduction. Since joining PERIPERI U, the unit has increased its focus on enhancing disaster risk reduction related research and capacity. In this regard it has partnered with Mozambique’s Disaster Management Authority to provide training materials on responding to disasters for schools, started agricultural outreach projects in water scarce regions, as well as undertaken several research projects for the government, UNDP and the Family Early Warning System Network.
Other initiates by the unit include starting a conservation agriculture and outreach project aimed at helping farmers to farm more effectively in water scarce areas.
Commissioned research
- Contribution of specific agricultural activities to increase resilience of small-scale farmers in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique (2013 – On going) commissioned by FAO/REOSA – North West University
- Evaluation of livelihood and survival strategies amongst the Zambezi Basin communities (May 2010 – December 2012) commissioned by USAID – FEWS NET
- Development of a Municipal Plan for Environmental Education (October 2011 – On going) commissioned by Maputo Municipality
- Humanitarian trends in southern Africa, challenges and opportunities (November 2012 – July 2013) commissioned by RIASCO/Stellenbosch University
- Study of Mozambique´s legal instruments dealing with climate change (2011) commissioned by UNHabitat
- Atlas for the preparation and response to disasters in the Zambezi Valley(March 2011 – June 2014) commissioned by USAID/INGC/UEM/FEWSNET
Academic Courses:
The university offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate program in Disaster management;
- BSc in Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management
- MSc in Technical Education, Development and Disaster Management
Short Courses:
UDM offers several custom made short courses each year which have included;
- Course on Disaster Management for Maputo City secondary school teachers and NGOs staff
- Cloud Computing – Web 2.0 Tools
- Urban risks in Maputo (Course for Maputo Municipality staff) Methodology for description of livelihood zones in Calandula Municipality,
