Dinah Awino Kawino
Our fifteenth member of the month is Dinah Awino Kawino.
UCRF is running a ‘Member of the Month’ feature on this blog, where a member, selected at random from the membership database, is sent five questions to give us all an overview of our members. Our fifteenth participant is environmental educator and sustainability researcher Dinah Awino Kawino.
– How would you sum up your research/practice?
I am an Environmental Educator and Sustainability Researcher specializing in Green Growth and Community Development. As a Master’s student at Kenyatta University, I focus on Green Transitions for my research. I focused on green growth within the textile Manufacturing Industry. Akadi Eco consultancy offers services in Green audits, Green organizational strengthening, and sustainability education with organizations.
During my maternity break (2023–2024), I enhanced my skills in green auditing and ESG leadership. My goal is to continue becoming a global leader in sustainable transitions, bridging academia, policy, and practice for a resilient future.
– How do you address fashion and sustainability in your work?
At Akadi Eco, we promote sustainable fashion through consultancy, community engagement,
and research:
Textile Consultancy: We work with policymakers and industries like Thika Cloth Mill to reduce
resource use, adopt circular practices, and align with Kenya's GESIP 2016–2030.
Eco-Mentorship: We educate designers, students, and consumers on eco-friendly practices like
ethical sourcing and waste reduction.
Global Research: As part of international forums, we amplify African voices in sustainable fashion.
Our vision is to make fashion a tool for environmental stewardship and cultural empowerment.
– What are the conflicts you have encountered around fashion and sustainability in your work?
A major conflict is balancing second-hand clothing (mitumba) with local textile production.
Economic Conflict: Mitumba supports livelihoods but stifles local manufacturing.
Environmental Conflict: While promoting reuse, mitumba contributes to waste.
Cultural Conflict: Consumers prefer affordable mitumba over locally made garments.
Policy Dynamics: Restricting mitumba impacts traders, while unchecked imports harm local
industries.
– What do you consider the key sources and cases when it comes to fashion and sustainability?
Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Circular fashion insights.
Global Fashion Agenda: Fashion on Climate Roadmap.
Textile Exchange: Fiber sustainability benchmarks.
Journals: Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability (MDPI).
Organizations: Fashion Revolution and Common Objective
– Could you recommend some less-known sources or cases you think should be more widely shared?
Green Africa Initiative (Nigeria): Empowers artisans using eco-friendly fabrics.
Adire Textile Hub (Nigeria): Revives sustainable Yoruba dyeing techniques.
Remake (USA): Advocates for living wages in fashion supply chains.
Ecovative (USA): Creates biodegradable bio-leather.
Craft Resource Center (India): Promotes low-carbon artisanal exports.
Thank you Awino for sharing your work!
