RESULT 4: KALRO CAPACITY FOR ASAL RESEARCH STRENGTHENED

KALRO has a well-developed research system for the high rainfall areas. Its infrastructure for research and dissemination is also well structured though it does not function to design at all times. The capacity for research in the ASAL areas is limited for a number of reasons including the low priority given to research in ASAL production systems initially. Initial KALRO research infrastructure development was established by the colonial government to support settler agriculture. Recent government strategies and policies however shift focus to ASAL development and research will play a pivotal role in this development.

In itself KALRO requires to develop certain capacities at headquarters, Garissa, Kiboko,   Marsabit, Perkerra and other ASAL research centers. The activities under this result will include:

• Build the capacities and  soft skills of the technical staff at the Headquarters and other centres  (finance, change management etc)
• Develop ASAL- Research, Information and Training Network (ASAL-RIT) facility coordinated by Marsabit
• DevelopGarissa Research Center (farm development and initiating research  work)