Digitization of Herbarium Collections from the College of African Wildlife Management to Enhance Learning and Research

Location

Moshi,

Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Synopsis and Position

Despite the wealth of Mweka Herbarium (hosted at the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka) in terms of botanical collection (with > 6000 specimen), the collection has been for more than half a decade limited to physical access for research and education. This situation exposed the collection under serious threats of deterioration because of increased physical handling. Additionally, physical access hinders remote access by users for research and education purposes. Therefore, this project seeks to improve preservation and access of botanical specimen deposited at Mweka Herbarium for research and education by wide range of users without risking the quality of the original specimens. 

Objectives and Method

The overarching objective of this project is to improve access and preservation of botanical specimen deposited at Mweka Herbarium to improve learning and research. Specifically, the project aims to: 

1. Update the taxonomic information of 6000 specimen deposited in the Mweka Herbarium at the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, 
2. Archive a digital copy of the original specimen to minimize deterioration resulted from physical handling the original specimen, 
3. Ascertain the conservation status and ethnomedicinal values of specimen deposited in the Mweka Herbarium 
4. Strengthen the capacity of Mweka Herbarium and Biodiversity Technicians to manage data resulted from digitization and the botanical collections, and 
5. Showcase the created knowledge, and access to digitally archived botanical collection to end-users. 

Workshops and Events

1. 1. Conduct a workshop to familiarize the project team members with project milestones expected, and the timelines [Completed: 22 November 2022]
   2. Botanical collection expedition in Lower Moshi Rangelands in Kilimanjaro ecosystem [19-26 June 2023]
   3. Training workshop on botanical collections, and virtual data management [September 2023] 

Activities

1. Update taxonomic information for each specimen and digitize the handwritten notes of 6,000 specimen [Completed, 19 May 2023]
2. Capture quality digital images of specimen and make a catalogue of images [In progress, expected date of completion: 11 June 2023]
3. Prepare local repository system to increase access and usability of botanical collection [In progress, expected date of completion: 30 June 2023]
4. Sharing the dataset resulted from digitization with end-users [September 2023]