George Kasch Email & Phone Number

Cherry Creek, Colorado, United States

Ntcheu, Central Region, Malawi

Fully immersed in an on-site research project. My research asked how two neighboring self-governed small-scale irrigation schemes in rural Malawi managed a common-pool water resource and if there was presence or absence of joint-scheme conflict or collaboration. This research contributes to the limited understanding of how irrigation schemes are governed from a rural Malawian context. The broader impacts of this research provides information on how rural Malawian irrigations schemes can be more resilient to climate change, sustainable food systems, and enhanced conflict resolution tools for self-governed water systems in rural Malawi. To measure this, I used Elinor Ostrom’s Eight Design Principles which has been widely considered as a useful tool to measure the effectiveness of governing/managing a common-pool resource. This also contributes to the limited research on such common-pool resource arenas where there is limited to no government integration. During this time, I was living with a Malawian family in rural village in Ntcheu, Malawi. I worked alongside a local Malawian translator where we cycled 5 kilometers to the neighboring research sites where individual questionnaires, focus group discussions, and relevant field observations were conducted to support my research question. Interviews were spoken in the local language - Chichewa - and translated into English. Ultimately, this research suggests that both schemes face very similar governing and management institutions, but the sustainability of these schemes are largely dependent on infrastructural/capital investment and future coordination with local agriculture institutions. In terms of a presence or absence of joint-scheme conflict or collaboration, both schemes generally avoid conflict, but exhibit potential for further collaboration, specifically in market integration, crop diversification and joint-scheme capacity building.

Fort Collins, Colorado Area

Antigua, Guatemala

Engaged in a high-quality, Spanish immersion volunteering experience in San Lucas, Guatemala. Focused on youth development, specifically working in a local preschool for single, divorced, or working families. Work was dedicated to three various age groups - all focusing on various reading, writing, and verbal communication skills. Regularly worked with and learned alongside the local staff.Below is a link of the interview I had with Maximo Nivel regarding the childcare program.

Greater Denver Area

Master Of Arts - Ma, Development Practice

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science And Government