Information Dissemination and Technology Transfer
The outreach mission of CETRAD is fulfilled through information dissemination and technology transfer. This therefore 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. This involves sourcing information from research outputs of CETRAD as well as of collaborating institutions dealing with areas relevant to our mandate.
This information, which in most cases is scientific is synthesised and repackaged into user friendly format with the resultant technologies and disseminated to different users at policy and implementing levels for application. The target beneficiary communities are reached through the existing government extension service unless when otherwise necessary, CETRAD may make direct interaction. The main avenues of information dissemination and technology transfer include workshops, seminars, farmers' field days, designated events days, local/regional/national agricultural shows and trade exhibitions among others.
CETRAD also provides direct support for implementation of innovative ideas/technologies resulting from own research outputs or those from collaborating institutions.
Ongoing transfer activities include:
CETRAD runs a rich hydromet data and information base generated from its long term and comprehensive monitoring network in the upper Ewaso Ngiro North river basin. Most of this data is now linked through a real time transmission system and interfaced to its database as well as to some selected Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs) in the upstream areas.