The activities initiated to expand the hydromet monitoring system into the Lewa-Borana landscape courtesy of the CETRAD-LEWA collaboration platform are in progress. The three sites - Ngare Ndare and Sirikoi will remain the main targets in order to complete the remaining tasks before identifying new ones. The project will focus on several activities namely:
-
Interfacing the system with real-time data transmission to CETRAD and respective WRUAs (i.e. Ngare Ndare and Sirikoi)
-
Exploring automatic data synchronization with dedicated servers as well as the possibility to transmit data through RoLa network (Lewa’s free network)
-
Support LWC to procure and install two automatic weather stations (one at Lewa HQ and the other at Borana HQ) and subsequent data transmission to servers
-
Continue providing technical support and backstopping to ensure smooth handing over of the system.
There are additional areas being considered, as part of Phase 2, to expand the scope of our collaboration. These include
-
Spring assessment and monitoring within the Landscape (elaboration of the concept and implementation)
-
A joint research agenda and fundraising ventures to support areas of mutual interest.
Emphasis will be in the field of hydro ecology, specifically in water resources management and governance. A formal instrument of collaboration will be elaborated to govern this initiative.
