Community Research and Development Service (CORDS)
Community Research and Development Services (CORDS) is a Tanzanian NGO established in 1998, headquartered in Arusha. Born from the Pastoralist Research and Development Project (PARDEP), CORDS focuses on securing land tenure, improving pastoral resources, and empowering pastoral communities (Maasai) in Northern Tanzania. Our core mission is to promote sustainable pastoral development, gender equality, and public health, while enhancing climate resilience and education among marginalized groups.
Cords coverage / areas of operation
Currently, CORDS works in the districts of Kiteto, Hanang’ and Simanjiro in the Manyara region, Kilindi district in the Tanga region, Mvomero and Kilosa districts in the Morogoro region whereas Monduli, Ngorongoro and Longido constitute working districts in Arusha region. CORDS also has visibility in Mbeya, Kigoma, Simiyu, Dodoma and Coast regions.
Education
Community Research and Development Services (CORDS) is dedicated to fostering sustainable educational development in our communities (Focusing on Maasai Girls and Boys). The goal is to promote awareness and advocate for equal education access for pastoralist children.
Gender & Women
CORDS is dedicated to advancing gender equality by aligning with international and national policies, including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 1979), Tanzania's Vision 2025, and the Tanzania National Strategy for Gender Development 2020.
Conservation & Envairoment
CORDS is dedicated to protecting the dynamic environment, crucial for pastoralist livelihoods. Committed to sustainable development, the organization focuses on conserving natural resources—land, water, forests, and biodiversity—to ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations.
Research
CORDS is a research-driven NGO in Tanzania, addressing critical challenges faced by Maasai pastoralists. Focusing on land tenure, resource governance, gender equality, and climate resilience, CORDS empowers communities through evidence-based strategies, reducing marginalization and fostering sustainable development and well-being.
25 + Years of working for Sustainable Development
Our Mission
To work for holistic socio-economic development and to fight against all threats to
livelihoods security (marginalization, injustice, oppression, gender inequality, poverty,
hunger, ignorance, and diseases).
Our Vision
A free and vibrant pastoralist society that has a strong voice and a wide range of choices
over its own development and destiny.
Partnership
In order to achieve a greater impact for pastoralist communities in Tanzania, CORDS embraces partnership and collaboration with individuals and institutions. This approach reflects our deepened commitment to improving pastoral resources and empowering Maasai communities in Northern Tanzania. Through these strategic alliances, we are better equipped to secure land tenure, promote sustainable development, and address the unique challenges faced by pastoralists, ensuring that their livelihoods and cultures are protected and strengthened.
Our core values
Community centered
CORDS (Staff, Management, Board of Directors and the Members) shall present itself as an ambassador by expressing views and actions in favor of supporting wellbeing of pastoral and Hunter-Gatherers’ communities.
Transparency and Accountability
CORDS shall exercise openness, accuracy, and promptness in sharing relevant information with relevant stakeholders. It shall in allweather exercise diligence to all assigned duties while ensuring optimum use of resources and be accountable for their actions.
Professionalism
CORDS shall portray a high level of morality, impartiality, integrity, respect, courtesy, timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency when performing their duties in the name of CORDS.
Commitment
CORDS shall express a high level of commitment when discharging its duties and providing services to communities and stakeholders.
Our Partners
