Departments

Geographic Information System (GIS) Department

GIS Department deals with Remote Sensing, Mapping, and GIS services, and provides customized spatial products and services to support other CETRAD departments, as well as other institutions and organizations dealing with a wide range of social, economic, and natural resource management activities. The Department provides a high-quality mapping services to public and private-sector customers, and maintains a large database of geo-referenced digital topographic maps covering over 80% of Kenya and 30% of Tanzania. The CETRAD GIS lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, that it uses to collect and transform information about the ASALs into accurate mapping and GIS products.

GIS Consultancy Services

CETRAD GIS Department offers GIS and digital mapping consultancy services, providing innovative and cost-effective solutions using geospatial information technology. The Department is committed to providing high quality, cost-effective solutions and products using the latest technology. We focus on personal service and place a high value on getting the job done on time. Our team are highly qualified professional with expertise and qualifications in GIS, geology, ecology, environment, geography, planning and computing as well as remote sensing.

Customer Services provided include:

1. Product Services; the provision of data and map products in soft and hard copy.
2. Training Services: a suite of specialised and general training in GIS and database courses following international certification standards.
3. Advisory Services; information standards, data collection, database design, data management,
4. Technical Services provided include digital mapping, project support, systems set up, distribution of technical files, and data structuring.
5. Database and MIS Services; supporting standards development for clients, developing shareable systems for organisations, etc.

Natural Resources Management (NRM) and Ecology Department

The NRM and Ecology Research Department conducts biophysical research that promotes sustainable management of natural resources and enhances environmental integrity. The main areas of focus include water, soils, and vegetation, which are covered under different realms providing for a wide range of thematic areas such as resource use mapping and assessment, hydro-meteorological monitoring and modelling, land use status and changes, land cover status and changes, rangelands ecology, biodiversity, forest resources management, water resources management, soil conservation, etc.

Socio-economics Research Department

The department is charged with the responsibility of designing and implementing research of socio economic nature as it relates to natural resources management. Some key areas of focus by the department include food security, livelihood analysis, population dynamics and human settlements, small scale enterprises, community organisation, and policy analysis, among others. The Department supports PhD and MA/MSc students, and organises field excursions for university students in related fields.

Information Dissemination and Technology Transfer

Information dissemination and technology transfer forms one of the most important functions of CETRAD because it provides the mechanism to integrate research into decision-making and policy formulation processes, thereby contributing to sustainable development in the ASALs. The Information Dissemination and Technology Transfer Department is responsible for sourcing (internally and externally), and repackaging scientific information into a format that is user friendly, and coordinating dissemination of the same and implied technologies to potential users at policy and implementation levels. The target beneficiary communities are reached through existing government extension service. All departments make specific topical contributions to facilitate the outreach mission.

Administration and Finance

The functioning of these departments is supported by a lean but efficient administration, accounts, and logistics team under the Administration and Finance Department.