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K E F R I

KENYA

FORE

STRY RESEARCHIN

STITUTE

Strategic Plan 2008 - 2012

KENYA FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE P. O. Box 20412 - 00200 NAIROBI Mobile: +254-0724-259781/2, +254-722-157414 Wireless: +254-20-2010651/2 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kefri.org

KENYAFORESTRYRESEARCHINSTITUTE

Strategic Plan 2008-2012

FOREWORD

Towards the end of KEFRI’s second Strategic Plan (1999-2004), an external research programme and management review was undertaken. The review urged KEFRI to develop a revised research plan for the next five years and consolidate continuity of the previously established core research programmes: Farm Forestry, Natural Forests, Forest Plantations and Dryland Forestry. The review also reemphasized the need for problem oriented and multidisciplinary research.

The review recommendations were adopted by the KEFRI Board of Management and implementation started through a Priority Setting Workshop held in March 2004. The Workshop participants were drawn from a large spectrum of stakeholders. The Workshop reviewed achievements made in forestry research and development carried out during the last Strategic Plan, identified and prioritized forestry problems, which should be addressed by research. Preparation of the 2005-2010 strategic plan was therefore based on the recommendations of the March 2004 Workshop and inputs of the external review of KEFRI.

To respond to the development interest of the stakeholders as elaborated by the workshop, the 2005-2010 Plan was expected to achieve several outputs, among them: adoption of multidisciplinary research approach; undertaking problem oriented research; reducing duplication of efforts and thus ensure cost-effective and efficient use of limited resources. The plan has also focused on efficient and problem oriented research, capacity building; decentralizing research activities to facilitate improved interaction and linkages with the users, developing beneficial partnerships and more importantly enhancing information exchange and dissemination.

Implementation of the above was in line with the Government policy of Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS). At the expiry of ERS in 2007, the Government embarked on the implementation of the Vision 2030. To achieve this, the Government has instructed the implementing agencies to revise their Strategic Plans to start 2008 to 2012, in line with the deliverables expected in the Vision 2030 Policy. The KEFRI 2005-2010 Strategic Plan is therefore revised to cover the period 2008-2012.

The 2008-2012 plan has seven chapters covering the following areas: Background; KEFRI’s mandate, vision, mission, core values, SWOT analysis, goal and strategic objectives of KEFRI; research and development activities; strengthening research and management capacity; and strategies for programme implementation.

The Board of Management commends the plan to the Government of Kenya, donors, collaborators and to those who consider research an important tool for forestry and national development and in support of industrialization by 2030.

P. M. Mung`alaChairman, KEFRI Board of Management

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Background……..……………………………………………………………….…..................1Introduction…………………………………………..………………..….................1Establishment and Role of KEFRI……………… ……………………..............2Research Achievements ……………………………………………….................2Forestry Research Challenges ……………………………………………...........3

2.0 Mandate, Vision, Mission and Core values of KEFRI …………………..……..........3

3.0 Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) ….....4

4.0 Goal and Strategic Objectives of KEFRI ………………………………………............. 5

5.0 Research and Development Programmes ………………..………..….................... 6 Farm Forestry Programme ……………………………………….........................6 Natural Forests Programme ……………………………..…...…….....................7

Drylands Forestry Programme ……………………………….………...................8Industrial Forest Plantations Programme …………..…..………....................9Service and Technology Dissemination Programme ………......................9

Tree Seed Programme …………………………..……..……………....................10

Partnership and Networks Programme …………………............................13 Corporate Affairs and Public Relations..…..…………………………...............13

Strengthening Research and Management Capacity ………………...........13 6.0 Strategies for Programme Implementation ………….………………...…..................15

Organization Structure ………………………………………………....................15 Research Programme Co-ordination and Management …..………...........15 Integrated Approach to Programme Implementation …………..…...........16 Centres Research Advisory Committee ………………..….…......................16

Seed Advi`sory Committee …………………….……….………….....................16 Implementation of Activities ………………………………............................18

Monitoring and Evaluation ……………………………………………..................18

Annex I Research and Development Activities for Strategic Plan 2008-2012......19

Strategic Plan 2008-2012ii

ACRONMYS

CC - Consultative CommitteeCRAC - Centre Research Advisory CommitteeENNDA - Ewaso Nyiro North Development AuthorityERS - Economic Recovery StrategyF&A - Finance and AdministrationICIPE - International Centre for Insects Physiology and EcologyICT - Information Communication TechnologyJKUAT - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyKARI - Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteKEFRI - Kenya Forestry Research InstituteKEPHIS - Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate ServiceKEWI - Kenya Water InstituteKFMP - Kenya Forest Master PlanKFS - Kenya Forest ServiceKIRDI - Kenya Industrial Research and Development InstituteKWS - Kenya Wildlife ServiceMEAS - Multilateral Environmental AgreementsMDG - Millennium Development GoalsMoU - Memorandum of UnderstandingM&E - Monitoring and EvaluationNEMA - National Environment Management AuthorityNGO - Non-Governmental OrganizationR&D - Research and DevelopmentSAC - Seed Advisory CommitteeSTI - Science, Technology and InnovationsSWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and ThreatsTNA - Training Needs Assessment

Strategic Plan 2008-2012 iii

1.0 BACKGROUND IntroductionForests are important for economic development, environmental services, social and cultural values. They provide products such as timber, pulp and paper, poles and fuel wood both for industrial and domestic use and a wide range of non-wood forest products. Forests are important for conservation of biological diversity, watersheds, carbon sequestration and are a major habitat for wildlife.

Although Kenya`s forests are important for socio-economic development, there has been accelerated destruction due to increasing human population. Kenya is currently considered among countries with low forest cover. The remaining natural forests have been degraded and can nolongerprovide sustainable supply of water, raw materials and other services. Further, trees on farmlands and in industrial plantations have also been overcut resulting in widening gap between the supply and demand for forest products. Clearing of woodlands in dry areas for agriculture and charcoal production is another major cause of environmental degradation. The invasion of riparian ecosystem in dry areas by Prosopis tree is also causing serious environmental concern.

Since 1995, forest development in the country has been guided by the Kenya Forest Master Plan (KFMP), a long term forest sector plan for the period 1995 to 2020. It was prepared to ensure that forestry makes an increased contribution to economic growth, generate employment and enhance conservation of the environment. KFMP has programmes in conservation and management of indigenous forests, farm forestry, dryland forestry, management of plantation forests, forest industry, forest extension and research. KFMP was instrumental in the formulation of the current Forest Policy and the Forest Act 2005.

The goal of the new forest policy is to enhance the contribution of the forest sector in the provision of economic, social and environmental goods and services. The specific objectives are to:

Contribute to poverty reduction, employment creation and improved livelihood through sustainable use, conservation and management of forests and trees;

Contribute to sustainable land use through soil, water and biodiversity conservation, tree planting and sustainable management of forests and trees;

Promote participation of private sector, communities and other stakeholders in forest management;

Promote farm forestry and dryland forestry to produce timber, woodfuel and other forest products;

Promote forest extension to enable farmers and other forest stakeholders to benefit from forest management approaches and technologies; and

Promote forest research, training and education to ensure a vibrant forest sector.


In addition to KFMP, the Government has developed other strategies as avenues of national development. Among these are the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment creation (ERS) and the Vision 2030. The goals of these documents are closely linked to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). ERS was formulated to provide a roadmap for specific economic recovery initiatives between 2003 and 2007.

The key objective of the Vision 2030 is to transform Kenya into a globally competitive and prosperous nation with high quality of life. The Vision is anchored on three pillars: Economic, Social and Political. The Vision will specifically target environmental management by focusing on water catchment, promoting on farm forestry and use of forest biotechnology, conservation of mangroves, control and management of invasive tree species, improving capacity for adoption of technologies and processing of forest products.

EstablishmentandRoleofKEFRI

Sustainable management, conservation and development of Kenya’s forests depend on application of science to generate improved technologies. The Kenya Forestry Research Institute was established in 1986 under the science and Technology Act (Chapter 250) to carry out research in forestry and allied natural resources. The institute has a role to play in influencing polices on forest resource management.

Since 1998, the Institute has continued to restructure its research programme by:

Consolidating 17 discipline-oriented divisions into six programmes as contained in Kenya Forest Master Plan;

Adopting multidisciplinary research approach; Focusing on problem oriented research; Decentralizing research activities to facilitate improved interaction and linkages

with the local users; Improving facilities in six centres in representative ecological zones of the

country; Adopting focused capacity building; Developing beneficial partnerships; Decentralising dissemination of research findings and seed distribution; Reducing staff from 1600 in 1998 to 990 in 2008 without compromising the

performance of the Institute. This has resulted in increase of funds for research and maintenance of facilities.

ResearchAchievements

The following are notable achievements of the recent past:

• Guidelines on Participatory Forest Management have been developed to support the New Forest Act;

• Piloted management and control of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive dryland species;

Strategic Plan 2008-2012 2

• Developed and promoted establishement and management protocols for Melia volkensii (Mukau) in the dry areas for timber;

• Initiated domestification and utilization of aloe species;• Introduced exotic bamboo and developed management and utilization of local

and exotic bamboo species;• Generated knowledge and build capacity of extension and local communities in

harvesting, handling and marketing of gums and resins;• Developed fast growing Eucalyptus grandis for improved wood production;• Successfully introduced biological agents for control of cypress aphid; and• Increased annual production of tree seed from 3000kg in 2002 to 6000kg in 2007,

which can produce about 200 million seedlings.

ForestryResearchChallenges

Forestry research in the country faces a number of challenges. These include:

• Technologies which will contribute to increasing forest and tree cover, improving conservation and management of natural forests and woodlands, developing strategies for control and management of invasive Prosopis, improving diversity and productivity of industrial plantations, and processing and value adding of forest products;

• Capacity to strengthen research and its management, especially in the utilization of forest resources and improving research facilities;

• Improving adoption of technologies;• Building capacity in products development;• Ensuring effective linkages between research, extension and users;• Increasing availability of tree seed for all types of planting programmes, especially

indigenous species; and• Achieving sustainable funding for research.

2.0 MANDATE, VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES Mandate

The mandate of KEFRI is to:

Conduct research in forestry; Disseminate research findings; Co-operate with other research bodies within and outside Kenya carrying out

similar research; and Establish partnership with other organizations and institutions of higher learning

in training and on other matters of forestry development.



Vision

To be a centre of excellence in forest science through technology development, deployment and dissemination of scientific information.

Mission

To conduct research and provide information and technologies for sustainable development of forest and allied natural resources.

CoreValues

Team work Integrity Partnership Clean and healthy environment

3.0 ANALYSIS OF STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS (SWOT)

The following are the results of a SWOT analysis for KEFRI.

Strengths

• Well trained scientists• Availability of modern facilities in some KEFRI Regional Research Centres• Decentralized research and development activities• Good links with Kenya Forest Service and main stakeholders• A leading forest research institution in eastern and central Africa• Periodic participatory programme review

Weaknesses

• Low funding in forest sector• Weak capacity to publish and disseminate research findings• Inadequate capacity to meet increasing demand for tree seed• Low corporate profile• Weak management capacity in regional centers• Inadequate capacity in revenue generation activities• Weak in product development and deployment

Opportunities

• Reforms in forest sector being undertaken• Environment and forestry issues becoming increasingly important• Private sector becoming an important player in forestry development• Wood continues to be a dominant source of energy, poles and timber in Kenya• Forestry research within the region improving

Threats

• Reforms in forest sector may take long • Competition for research funds with private and NGO sectors• Strengthening forestry extension service may take long• Loss of staff to other institutions

4.0 GOAL AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Vision 2030 recognizes the role of Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) in socio-economic transformation of Kenya. The Vision identifies strategies for STI in strengthening technical capabilities; intensification of innovations in priority areas; improving capacity to adopt new technologies; STI awareness; validation and integration of traditional knowledge and technologies in natural resource management.

The goal of KEFRI is to contribute to achieving the Vision 2030 by developing technologies for sustainable development and utilization of forest and allied natural resources to enhance clean and healthy environment. The strategic objectives are:

To generate knowledge and technologies for forest development, conservation, management and utilization

To strengthen research and management capacity, To improve seed production, distribution and marketing, To disseminate forest research findings, To improve corporate profile and public image of KEFRI, and To strengthen linkages and partnership with stakeholders.


5.0 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

To address the challenges facing the forestry sector, policy objectives have been formulated as: conserving natural forests, increasing forest cover, alleviating poverty and promoting forest industry. These objectives reflect a comprehensive agenda for strategic, applied and adaptive research in forestry, and adopt interactive and integrated orientation towards natural resource management. The aim is to understand and synthesize the processes involved in forestry research and development (R&D) and natural resource management to determine and predict the short, medium and long-term technologies to be generated. The Institute’s R & D agenda is organized into seven programmes: Farm Forestry, Natural Forests, Dryland Forestry, Industrial Forest Plantations, Seed Production, Networks and Partnership and Technology Dissemination and Service Programme. In addition, the Institute continues to strengthen research and management capacity and to raise its profile. This chapter highlights areas of research and related activities to address the identified challenges.

FarmForestryProgramme

Kenya is one of the countries with low forest cover internationally. The forest cover has been decreasing as a result of conversion to other land uses, especially agriculture and settlement. Early in this decade the government banned tree harvesting in state forests. Since then, the country has been sourcing industrial wood from farms supplemented with timber imported from neighbouring countries. This has led to depletion of farmland wood stock and the country is thus facing serious challenges in restocking trees cut on farmlands.

The new Forest Policy emphasizes the development of farm forestry as a way of increasing the low forest cover, diversifying subsistence products and incomes while contributing to soil and water conservation. The policy underlines the need to support farmers with sound management and utilization principles, incentives, information, better germplasm and marketing strategies. Farmers need to have a list of priority products from multipurpose trees in order to optimise production. Vision 2030 has also put similar emphasis on the contribution of forestry in conservation of water resources.

To achieve these objectives, the programme will strengthen linkages amongst extension agents, researchers and farmers through development of effective extension approaches as well as production of appropriate management guidelines. Research focus will be on

6Strategic Plan 2008-2012

development of fast growing species with high market demand and their management practices, market research, facilitating establishment of on-farm tree seed sources, evaluation of traditional tree management practices, developing on-farm efficient wood conversion technologies for promotion of small and medium enterprises and policy research. There is need to develop and demonstrate appropriate on-farm technologies suited to specific site conditions. It is envisaged that farm forestry will play a crucial role in the development of biomass (biofuel) to address poverty reduction in rural areas. Projects and research activities under this programme are outlined in Annex I.

NaturalForestsProgramme

Natural forests occur mainly in water catchments and are habitats for wildlife, which support the tourism industry besides providing useful commercial timber and non-timber products. Despite its pivotal role, the forest cover in Kenya has decreased rapidly in the last twenty years due to population pressure and development related activities such as excisions, illegal settlements, over harvesting and agricultural expansion. This has reduced the ability of these forests to supply products, serve as water catchments, biodiversity conservation reservoirs, wildlife habitats and carbon sinks.

In the new Forest Policy, the government of Kenya has recognized the importance of involving local communities in the management of public forest resources. To develop a sustainable framework for community participation in the management of natural forest resources, tackling of complex management issues, such as empowering local communities to manage forests through community forest associations, benefit sharing, stock valuation and pricing are necessary. Also of great importance are matters dealing with economic and social capacities of the major stakeholders involved in natural forest management which must be researched on. Such research will target mechanisms for improving the contribution of forestry to improvement of livelihoods of forest adjacent communities through forest based and off-forest activities.

In 1950s and 60s, trials on catchment management were initiated in the Ke-nyan highlands (Mau and Aberdares forests) to moni-tor the changes in land use from forest cover to tea, pine plantations and grasslands. Such trials were exemplified mainly by the establishment of weirs and gauging sta-tions along streams and wa-ter ways. In 1980s and 90s, KEFRI instituted studies on forest structure including light tolerance in order to

7 Strategic Plan 2008-2012

A well managed natural forest

determine species mix when carrying out forest rehabilitation and enrichment activities. More recently and basing on the results of work done from 1950s and 1990s, KEFRI initiated efforts to rehabilitate degraded natural forests.

Management of catchment forests requires information that should be guided by well researched dynamics of ecosystem interactions. We lack specific data and information to allow the government to determine the impact of watershed degradation on socio-economics and development attributes. In particular, there is inadequate knowledge on tools for hydrological data such as dynamic models. Relationships be-tween eco-hydrology and water resources conservation for downstream developments to be understood. Furthermore, trends on catchment recovery would guide skilled man-agement for effective and sustainable management, but these are least understood. The proposed research will therefore address the above gap of knowledge and technology by establishing two catchment rehabilitation and monitoring sites. A watershed model of recovery dynamics will be produced in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. Research will also focus on policy issues; economic valuation of conservation; monitoring regeneration and growth of natural forests; developing and demonstrating methods of natural forest rehabilitation; provision of information to enhance biodiversity conservation and production and management of bamboo resources. Projects and research activities under this programme are outlined in Annex I.

DrylandsForestryProgramme

Kenya’s drylands are home to more than 30% of the country’s population, 70% of the national livestock herd and the bulk of world-famous wildlife that support the vibrant tourism sector. Woodlands are amongst the important natural resources found in drylands and are the main source of charcoal that constitutes over 50% of the urban energy requirements and 80% of rural woodfuel. They also provide other numerous products including honey, gums, resins and woodcarving materials. Settlements by local communities and immigrants from the high potential areas are increasing challenges in woodlands management because of the radiating resource degradation and increased utilization pressure. Despite their enormous potential, drylands have the highest poverty levels because of infrastructural and resource underdevelopment; and the persistent unfavorable policies. This has been exacerbated by natural factors like cyclic droughts that lead to devastating consequences including loss of livelihoods and woodland degradation.


Assorted furniture made from bamboo

Past land rehabilitation efforts have contributed to the introduction of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora that has encroached on riparian ecosystems where initial introduction was unintended.

The broad objective of the dryland forestry Programme is therefore to contribute to the harnessing and development of dryland resources by generating technologies to improve woodlands management and conservation, thereby contributing to poverty

alleviation at local and national levels. This will also go a long way in addressing the globa l objectives articulated in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) to which Kenya is a signatory. Specifically, the programme will address the following current dryland forestry

sector priorities; generating in-formation to support woodlands management and conservation; developing technologies for re-habilitation of areas cleared for charcoal burning and naturally degraded areas; developing technologies for domestication of indigenous species; develop-ing drought tolerant trees for adaptation to climate change; developing guidelines for man-agement of P. juliflora and other invasive species; validation and integration of indigenous tech-nologies in woodlands manage-ment; and enhancement of local woodlands management capaci-


Aloe plant and its commercial products

Mature Prosopis tree Food made from prosopis floor

ties by involving local communities in demonstration of proven woodland management techniques, developing and promoting wood and non-wood technologies and packaging for

the industry. Research activities in this programme are articulated in Annex 1.

IndustrialForestPlantationsPro-gramme

In the past, forest plantations in Kenya played an important role in socio-economic development by supplying wood to industries and generating employment. However at the moment, the performance of plantation forests in the country has declined and is no longer supplying sufficient wood for industrial purposes.

Currently, the area under forest plantations is estimated at 120,000 ha. This area is unlikely to increase in future

because the present policy gives priority to the management and conservation of the remaining indigenous forests for provision of environmental services and conservation of of water and biodiversity. To meet the growing demand for industrial wood, it is necessary to increase wood productivity of the available land through genetic improvement of the major plantation species.

For many years, we have relied heavily on fast growing exotic tree species for plantation development. However, due to outbreak of pest and diseases, some of the more productive species have had to be discontinued, for example Cupressus macrocarpa and Pinus radiata. Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica, which are the main plantation species have also been threatened by foreign pest although these have been brought under control. Currently, we have a problem of eucalyptus pest, the Blue Gum Chalcid (BCG). The current reliance on few exotic softwood species therefore appears unsustainable. Further, indigenous species have been given low priority in plantation development. It is therefore necessary to diversify plantation development by recruiting new species including indigenous species. The proposed projects will undertake genetic improvement of the main plantation species, demonstrate alternative plantation species develop integrated strategies for management of new insect pests and develop end use guideline for plantation species based on wood characterization.


Cypress seedlings

Mature Cypress plantation

Annex I gives projects and research activities under this programme.ServiceandTechnologyDisseminationProgramme

For research findings to be useful, they must be disseminated effectively to beneficiaries. Currently information is being disseminated through different types of media that include print media, conferences, seminars, workshops, open and field days, training courses, and agricultural shows. A new proposed strategy for information dissemination will be through the regional Centres at Maseno, Londiani, Gede, Karura, Muguga and Kitui. The centres will be strengthened to serve as avenues for information dissemination to users.

Strong links will be established between the Regional Research Centres and the local extension service providers to facilitate effective dissemination of research information. The centres will be responsible for organizing regular meetings for researchers, extension agents and users of research findings and create a forum for exchange of ideas and evaluation of research progress. The Centres will also be responsible for organizing field days, participating in training of extension agents and jointly setting up demonstration plots with extension agents especially the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to enhance technology transfer.

Interactive training is a pre-requisite for enhanced awareness by stakeholders on the existing role of research findings, services and institutional competitiveness. The training programme will therefore develop and conduct regular tailormade and demand driven causes to address knowledge and information needs by learning entities. A strategy for commercialization of goods and services offered by the Institute will also be developed to enhance corporate image and revenue generation.Facilities for electronic linkages with other collaborating institutions will continue to be

developed in order to network and to access information and materi-als that are not within KEFRI. There is, there-fore, need for Centres to establish local networks, connected to wide area networks and informa-tion networks. Databases will be established and, where necessary, stan-dardized with those exist-ing in other institutions to enable compatibility and access to information. Stakeholders analysis will be carried out to review


Dissemination of Research findings through open day

existing and potential part-ners. The databases will be managed and periodically updated by the programme.

For research findings to be effectively communicated, researchers and extension agents will be trained on development of extension materials, effective communication, information documentation, analysis and dissemination methods. Training will also include the use of modern equipment for effective information exchange.

The proposed activities are expected to improve dissemination of

technologies by developing databases, improving documentation, integrating users needs in research and improving communication with users.

TreeSeedProgramme

Availability of quality seed is key to plantation forests development and tree planting by farmers. In recognition of the need to increase the forest cover, the government in its Sessional Paper No.9 (2005) on Forest Policy, has developed enabling guidelines for intensified tree planting inside and outside gazetted forests. The policy paper further emphasizes the need for availability of planting materials to support the afforestation/reforestation programme. Tree seed is the most effective planting material available for this programme.

KEFRI is mandated to produce tree seed for all types of planting programmes. The Institute has increased its annual seed production from 3,000 kg to 6,000 kg. However, due to the sharp increase in demand for seed and considering the fact that seed sources, which were in plantations, have been lost through excisions, the Institute has not been able to meet the growing demand for tree seed. The Institute has started an initiative to decentralise seed distribution to make it easily accessible to farmers. The proposed intervention aims at expanding seed sources, improving management and protection, intensifying seed collection especially of indigenous species, improving quality and distribution. Efforts will also be made to fund raise to expand tree seed for conservation purposes. The current Seeds and Plant Varieties Act and the Forests Act do not adequately and specifically address tree seed to facilitate accelerated forest development. The Institute will provide leadership in formulation of Tree Seed Policy and


Field Day

Regulation.

PartnershipandNetworksProgramme

The Institute has established a Partnership and Networks programme whose principal aim is to strengthen synergies and complementaries with various partners in the generation, dissemination and consumption of various information on forestry and allied resources. In the framework of vision 2030, the programme will strengthen existing linkages with the following:

Government Ministries

• Ministry of Forests and Wildlife: Providing funds for research and development and supplemented with funds from development partners. Scientific information will be provided to support formulation, revision of Forest Policy and in preparation of subsidiary forest legislations as provided in the Forest Act, 2005. Policy briefs in forestry will be consolidated from research findings to contribute to formulation of relevant policies and legislations.

• Ministry of Agriculture: the demand for agroforestry technologies will increase with expansion of on-farm tree growing. KEFRI will strengthen partnership with MoA through NALEP where relevant information will be transferred to farmers.

• Ministry of Industrialisation: The technologies for efficient processing and value adding on tree products will also increase. Manufacturing- technologies for efficient processing of wood and non-wood forest products will support forest-based industries.

• Ministry of Health: About eighty (80) percent of Kenyans living in rural, and to some extent urban areas, depend on medicinal plants in treating various ailments. With increasing population, exploitation of medicinal plants will increase. Demand on scientific information for sustainable management and utilization of medicinal plants will be required.

• Ministry of Education, Science and Technology: Provides guidance in science


Quality seeds at Kenya Forestry Seed Centre

technologies and innovation policies. New knowledge in forestry will be required by universities and other training institutions to support teaching in forestry and environmental science.

• Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources: Contribute in formulation of environmental policy.

State Corporations and Universities

• Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is a key client for KEFRI and provides research extension services and linkages to farmers.

• Continue implementing the signed MoUs between KEFRI, KFS, KEWI and KWS to monitor on-going projects/initiatives on five water towers and other water catchments. Additionally initiate other joint projects on rehabilitation of the catchments including opportunities for projects in carbon offset schemes.

• Building on the signed MoUs between KEFRI, NEMA, ICIPE and KWS to strengthen KEFRI’s comparative advantage in bio-prospecting activities including procedures for access and benefit sharing for biodiversity resources.

• Building on signed MoUs with KIRDI and JKUAT to strengthen KEFRI’s position through the Forest Products Research Centre in the value addition of a wide range of non-wood forest products, especially gums and resins, indigenous fruit trees, medicinal plants and bio-diesel.

• Universities: Collaboration in research and sharing scientific information, training and student attachment.

• Strengthening collaboration through signed MoU with KFS and ENNDA in capacity building in harvesting, handling and marketing of gums and resins in dylands.

• Establishing collaboration with other strategic partners for enhanced development of forest sector

International Organisations

• Enhance collaboration regionally and internationally through various forest research networks.

Private Sector

• The private sector will be encouraged to use efficient technologies in processing of forest products. Collaborative research and incubation of innovations of products will be undertaken with forest based industries.

NGOs

• Supplement efforts of KFS in providing extension services

Gender and Youth

• Participatory forest management and dissemination of research findings will target the youth and women groups.


CorporateAffairsandPublicRelations

One of the main weaknesses of the Institute is a low corporate profile. A Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Unit was therefore established in the Director’s office in 2005 to handle public relations, consultancy services and intellectual property issues.It is envisaged that to keep the KEFRI profile high in the public domain, the following will be adopted to improve the corporate image:

• Conduct public awareness events that include field days, open days and ASK shows; hold a biennial scientific conference; regularly contribute media features and make presentations in Radio and TV; produce quarterly newsletter and publicity materials; and conduct customer satisfaction surveys annually;

• Produce KEFRI publicity materials; and • Define a flexible corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme which is

responsive to community needs. StrengtheningResearchandManagementCapacity

HumanResources

Presently, KEFRI has a total of 999 staff comprising of 86 research scientists, 38 technologists, 23 foresters, 62 technicians, while the rest are enumerators, nursery attendants, seed collectors, janitors, mechanics, drivers, security staff, accountants, supplies staff and administrative staff. Within the plan period the total staff is expected to reduce by about 40 staff per year due to normal attrition bringing the total number of staff to around 700 which is considered optimal. Funds saved therefrom would be utilized for operations and research. It is the Institute’s intention to have research and operations to personnel cost ratio of 40:60.

To achieve its mandate, KEFRI is committed to strengthen the research and management capacity through systematically developing requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes. The KEFRI Training Needs Assessment (TNA) Report of 2007 has identified priority train-ing needs for all cadres. During the strategic period, emphasis will be set on short-term courses for skills improvement. Specific skills earmarked for reinforcement are: Scientific writing, research planning and dissemination, data management, project moni-toring and evaluation; information, communication and technology (ICT); exposure to emerging methodologies in carbon sequestration, bio-energy etc; financial management;entrepreneurship and mentorship. Staff and workload analysis will be carried out twice during the plan period.

PhysicalFacilities

To enhance research output and dissemination of findings, during the current strategic period, new physical facilities were considerably improved at Karura and Gede Regional Centres and Turbo and Nyeri sub-centres. This has added to the already modern and ambient facilities available at the headquarters, Kitui and Maseno Regional Centers. In the current revised plan, facilities will further be improved at Gede Regional Centre, Kakamega, Lodwar, Kuja River and Marigat Sub-centres and expand resource facilities at 15 Strategic Plan 2008-2012

Karura. To facilitate forestry research in northern part of the country, a sub-centre under Kitui Regional Centre will be established at Garissa.

FinancingStrategy

Current funding for research in KEFRI is mainly from the Government of Kenya. The 2007/08 budget for KEFRI is approximately Kshs 765 million. Out of this, ninety-percent (90%) is from the government and the rest from development partners and internally generated revenue. With the increasing demand for scientific information and technologies to support forest development, the current funding level for KEFRI is inadequate. It is therefore necessary to boost the budget in order to improve the institute’s productivity.

During the plan period, various initiatives of mobilizing financial resources in support of research will be put in place. These include:

• Putting in place measures that improve efficient use of research grants from the government;

• Continue implementing the on-going staff reduction programme in areas not critical for research;

• Intensifying revenue generation activities such as sale of seed, seedlings, timber and logs from closed experiments and seed sources, training activities and utilization of available expertise to offer consultancy services;

• Increasing participation in collaborative research through networking;• Setting fund raising targets for Programme Coordinators; and• Intellectual property audit to determine what is patentable for sale.

Implementation of this strategic plan will require substantial financial resources for personnel and operational expenses, and capital development including training. Capital development and maintenance are critical to ensure the establishment of physical facilities and infrastructure particularly at the research centres. The main objective of this plan is to enhance research activities and to improve research dissemination and communication at the Headquarters and Regional Centres. Efforts will be made to improve research facilities at Centres through construction and renovation of offices, glass-houses, and seed production and processing facilities. A summary of the proposed budget for the next four years is shown in Table 1.

6.0 STRATEGIES FOR PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

OrganizationStructure

The KEFRI structure (Fig. 1) shows the various levels of operation and management. The top level comprises of the Board of Management, which is responsible for research and management policies. The Director, who is responsible for the overall strategy and operations of KEFRI, is assisted by two Deputy Directors; one responsible for research and development (R&D) and the other for finance and administration (F&A). The Deputy Director (R&D) oversees four core research programmes and coordination


of projects implementation, Networks and dissemination of research results. The Deputy Director (F&A) co-ordinates all matters pertaining to human resources, finance, supplies, administration and physical planning.

A Corporate Affairs and Public Relations (CA&PR) and Internal Audit Units operate under the Director’s office.

Research activities are consolidated to form a multi-disciplinary approach to research and development within four core research programmes as shown in the organogram. The programmes are managed by National Programme Co-ordinators/Assistant Directors who report directly to the DD (R&D). Three programmes namely, the Service and Technology Dissemination Programme, Tree Seed Programme and Networks and Partnership, support the core research programmes. The Service and Technology Dissemination Programme is headed by an Assistant Director and is responsible for outreach training, Biometrics, information documentation and dissemination, and income generating activities. The Tree Seed Programme will be established and headed by a Seed Centre Manager responsible for seed production and distribution. The Networks and Partnership Programme is coordinated by a National Coordinator/Assistant Director and is responsible for coordinating development and monitoring of Networks and their activities and linking KEFRI to potential partners in the development of networks and research agenda.

The Regional Centres are managed by Centre Directors who report to the DD (R&D). Within the Core Research Programmes, research projects are developed and implemented through multi-disciplinary teams of scientists based at regional centres. The Regional Centres are responsible for implementation of research projects through field centres and collaborators particularly those within their localities.

ResearchProgrammeCo-ordinationandManagement

Proper co-ordination between scientists and stakeholders will be encouraged to facilitate research programme implementation. The Director will provide overall co-ordination. A co-ordination team comprising of the Director, two Deputy Directors, and six Assistant Directors/Programme Co-ordinators will organize regular meetings to review the progressof proposal development, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation so as to identify constraints and make appropriate recommenda-tions. An annual Consultative Meeting will be held to consolidate and recommend to the Board of Management the annual workplans derived from the strategic plan.

IntegratedApproachtoProgrammeImplementation

Teamwork and multi-disciplinary approach to research problems will continue to be an asset towards preparation of comprehensive and multi-disciplinary proposals for government and donor funding. Networking among all KEFRI research programmes will be adopted to facilitate programme implementation, information update and exchange.

The existing collaborative links with various research and development organizations will continue to be strengthened and new ones developed. Close working relationships will be strengthened with beneficiaries of forest research to develop mission-orient-



ed research targeted to particular clients. Such a strategy has a great advantage in ensuring direct transfer of technologies and benefits and enhancing feedback mechanisms.

CentreResearchAdvisoryCommittees

Centre Research Advisory Committees (CRACs) will be established at Regional Centres to identify research problems in the field, review existing projects and project proposals and give recommendations to KEFRI Management at Headquarters for evaluation by the Consultative Committee (CC) which comprises of Director (Chairman), Deputy Directors, National Programme Coodinators, Centre Directors and Head of Divisions (Finance, Human Resource, Supplies, Audit and Administration).

SeedAdvisoryCommittee

A Seed Advisory Committee (SAC) will be established to identify tree seed problems and advise on seed sources management, collection, handling, storage, distribution and marketing. Membership of SAC will comprise KEFRI, KFS, KEPHIS, KARI, Private sector representative and an NGO supporting forest development. The committee will meet once each year.


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ImplementationofActivities

Annual workplans including performance contracting will be prepared setting out activities, targets, verifiable indicators, means of verification, responsible persons, time frame and budget. Implementation planning will be undertaken through the CRACs, Consultative Committee and the board.

MonitoringandEvaluation

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are important management tools for measuring accomplishments and detecting the need for adjustment in the course of implementing research programmes. Performance appraisal of staff is carried out periodically. External evaluation of the institute has been done every five to six years. Workplans are reviewed annually.

To ensure that implementation of the current strategic plan is on course and relevant to the needs of our clients, M & E will be made more systematic. Continuous monitoring will be introduced at research programme, project and management levels. The Programme Co-ordinators, Centre Directors and Project Leaders will be trained to improve in their M & E. The following tools and procedures will be standardized and adopted for M & E.

Use of logical framework in programmes and project planning Bi-annual Scientific Conference Annual staff evaluation Quarterly and annual performance contract reports Annual reports Senior Management review meeting External evaluation every five years.

Table1:ProposedBudgetfor2008-2012inMillionKshsItem 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Personnel expenses

498 671 705 740 780

Operations and Maintenance

72 80 100 120 150

Research programmes

167 175 190 200 250

Development 28 35 40 60 70

Total 765 961 1035 1110 1240


ANNEX I: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2012

OUTPUT 1.1 TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE ON-FARM TREE GROWING AND UTILIZATION DEVELOPED

Project Activities Performance

indicators2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Diversify tree species on farms in high potential areas

Evaluate tree species in three regions

Popular species increased by 3 in three regional centres

Recruitment of tree species for water conservation

Undertake studies on water use by various tree species.

Report on water use of at least four species

Improvement of on farm tree management practices

Review existing management technologies for tree establishment on farm

At least five new technologies developed

Improvement of wood utilization at farm level

Undertake research on value-adding to improve the marketability of farm forestry products

At least three products improved

Farm forestry policy analysis

Review and analyze existing policies that constraints farm forestry development

At least two policy briefs produced


OUTPUT 1.2 TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL FORESTS GENERATED

Project Project Activities Performance Indicators

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Rehabilitation of five water towers

Evaluate status of catchments

Report on status of five water towers

Develop and demonstrate methods of rehabilitation

Ten demonstration plots established

Assess recovery rates of rehabilitated watersheds

A technical report on rates of recovery availed

Build capacity of relevant clients/stakeholders

100 clients/stakeholder trained annually

Bamboo Development

Develop bamboo products

At least 3 products developed per year

Promote bamboo as an environmentally sound and economically viable raw material in Kenya

Two publicity forums every year and 5 types of production materials

Strengthen capacity for bamboo utilization and processing

At least 10 artisans trained each year

Develop preservation technologies

At least two guidelines produced

Conservation and management of Mangroves

Determine conservation and management status

At least one technical report

Review and update current harvesting methods

Guidelines on mangrove extraction

Develop methods of rehabilitation

Guidelines on rehabilitation

Build capacity of local community members in management and conservation

At least 90 local community members trained per year


Conservation of Medicinal Plants

Monitor exploitation of medicinal plants

Extraction reports from at least three forests

Demonstrate in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal plants

At least five demonstration plots established and monitored

Demonstrate management and sustainable utilization

Two reports on management and utilization

Train herbalists on management and utilization

At least fifty herbalists trained

Policy analysis in natural forests conservation and management

Review existing policies that influence natural forests conservation

A status report

Research on viable incentive packages that would promote natural forests conservation

Guideline on incentive packages

Evaluate opportunities for involving communities in the management of natural forests

Report on opportunities for entrepreneurship and markets


OUTPUT 1.3 TECHNOLOGIES FOR DRYLANDS FORESTRY DEVELOPED

Project Research Activities Performance indicators

2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Development of forest products

Characterise and map Acacia gum producing varieties

Technical report on characterization

Develop production and harvesting technologies for Acacia gum

Two technical reports

Improve marketing of gums and resins

Communities linked to at least four traders/marketers

Development and improvement of drylands forest products

At least one technical report/guideline produced

Improving charcoal processing technologies

Guidelines on efficient charcoal processing technologies

Management and control of Prosopis juliflora

Determine distribution of Prosopis

Report on distribution

Evaluate the impacts of Prosopis invasion in heavily invaded areas

Report on impacts of prosopis

Initiate Prosopis management interventions and their monitoring

A technical report on management interventions and impacts of management

Scale up management interventions

At least four demonstrations established each year

Domestication of indigenous tree species

Improve production of planting materials of Melia volkensii, Osyris laceolata and Terminalia brownii

Three guidelines on effective propagation methods availed

Develop high yielding varieties of Melia volkensii

Yields increased by 10%

Developing silvicultural management methods for Melia volkensii and Osyris laceolata

Management guidelines available

Pilot rehabilitation technologies

Rehabilitation guidelines


Validation and integration of indigenoustechnologies on woodlands management

Document traditional woodlands management practices

Report on traditional woodland management practices

Conduct feedback workshops on traditional woodlands management practices

Community Action Plans that integrate traditional with scientific approaches

Participatory implementation/ piloting of agreed community action plans

One guideline on piloted integrated management approaches

Development of drought tolerant trees for adaptation to climate change in drylands

Select and develop drought tolerant Scelocarya birrea, Acacia tortilis and Melia volkensii

At least 50 drought tolerant trees for each species developed

Develop methods of mass propagation and establishment

A manual on propagation and establishment

Develop products from the tree species

At least three products

Disseminate technologies

Annual field day

Build capacity of researchers

Three scientists trained in ecophysiology and tree breeding

Development of bioenergy species

Evaluate growth performance of bioenergy tree species

Five trial plots established

Survey and undertake genetic mapping of bio-energy species

Report on provenance distribution

Demonstrate energy plantations with various species

At least five demonstrations with various species planted

Develop silvicultural management practices

Field management manuals


OUTPUT 1.4 TECHNOLOGIES FOR INDUSTRIAL FOREST PLANTATIONS DEVELOPED

Project Research Activities

Performance Indicators

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Broadening plantation species base

Evaluate indigenous tree species for plantation development

At least 6 species identified and demonstrated

Demonstrate performance of promising exotic species

At least 3 promising species demonstrated

Develop silvicultural management regimes for selected species

At least 3 technical orders prepared

Improvement of productivity of major plantation species – Cypress, Vitex, P. patula, E. grandis and E. camaldulensis

Select plus trees At least 300 plus trees for 5 species

Undertake hybridization of Eucalyptus species

At least five hybrids developed

Evaluate hybrids and plus trees through progeny trials

At least 10 progeny trials established

Introduce additional germplasm

Germplasm of P. tecunumanii , P. maximinoi , Gmelina arborea and E. grandis

Developing integrated pest management options

Monitor and respond to outbreaks of tree pests and diseases.

Monitoring reports on status of pests and diseases within and outside Kenya

Develop methods for control of Blue Gum Chalcid.

Report and guidelines


OUTPUT 2. DISSEMINATION OF TECHNOLOGIES STRENGTHENED

Project Activities Performance Indicators

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012

Strengthening ICT

Install LAN in centres

LAN in sixcenters installed

Install appropriate Internet links in KEFRI Centres

Internet services in two centres

Install wide area net work (WAN) in KEFRI

Interconnections of KEFRI HQ and Regional Research Centres

Strengthening ICT

Purchase Data Repository facilities for KEFRI Centres

A Computer Server in every Regional Research Centre

Develop database applications, integrate appropriate interfaces and manage web content using KEFRI website

Database enabled and updated KEFRI website

Developing database and improving documentation

Improve distribution of publications

List client who received publications

Develop, maintain and update database and KEFRI website

Quarterly update of database and monthly update of website

Increase production of publications

At least 30 publications produced each year


Improving communication with clients /users

Train scientists in specialized communication skills

At least 60 scientists trained

Train Dissemination officers in production of dissemination material

At least 10 Dissemination officers trained

Translate research results into user friendly language

At least 10 dissemination materials produced annually

Organise field excursions for stakeholders

At least one excursion per year per centre

Organise field and open days

12 field days and 6 open days per year

Hold scientific conference

One conference every two years

Integrate users needs in research programme

Maintain records of feed back and responses

Report on feed back and responses

Undertake technology needs assessment every two years

Report

Organise priority setting workshop

One workshop in the third year

Hold Center Research Advisory Committee meetings

Six meetings every year

Improving capacity of clients

Conduct tailor made courses

At least 100 users/clients trained per year

OUTPUT 3. SEED PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION IMPROVED


2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012

Establishing new seed sources

Select additional seed stands

At least 6 seed stands selected annually

Establish seed orchards

2 seed orchards established annually for each of Grevillea, Cypress, P. patula, Vitex and E. grandis

Facilitate establishment of seed sources by farmers

A total of 2 ha of seed woodlots/stands planted by farmers in each of the 5 centres

Improving management of seed sources

Undertake management of seed sources

Prescriptions and treatment done annually

Quarterly reports on management activities produced.

Increasing seed production

Establish and facilitate Seed AdvisoryCommittee (SAC)

One meeting of the SAC held annually

Collect and process seed

At least 6000 kg of seed collected and produced annually


Improving Seed distribution

Decentralise seed distribution

- A report on tree seed assessment annually- 5 Seed stores

constructed - 10 drying

beds constructed

- 20 sets of climbing equipment bought

Identify and train seed stockists/agents

At least 5 stockists per year per Centre trained

Undertake marketing activities and publicise information on tree seed

- At least 50 seed information leaflets produced- Two open days held annually- 4 Media talks conducted annually

Improving seed quality

Train foresters and seed collectors

8 Foresters and 30 Seed Collectors trained biannually

Procure seed handling and storage equipment

- 5 sets of lab equipments purchased

- Cold storage equipment replaced at Muguga

- Routine seed testing undertaken

- International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules complied with


Formulating tree seed policy and regulation

Hold stakeholder workshops on seed policy

A report

Draft seed policy

A draft

Submit draft seed policy to Ministry

Forwarding Letter

Hold workshop with stakeholders on seed regulation

Workshop proceeding

Draft tree seed regulation

A draft

Submit draft seed regulation to Ministry

Forwarding Letter


OUTPUT 4. NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENED


2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Building partnership and network

Enhance close linkages with relevant institutions

Number of collaborative initiatives at local and international levels

Number of new partners identified as partnerships established

Establish and manage Networks activities

Reports on activities of networks

Undertake fund raising

Number of partners identified and meetings held

Coordinate KEFRI/KFS liaison office

At least 6 meetings annually


OUTPUT 5. KEFRI CORPORATE PROFILE RAISED


2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012

Improvement of Corporate Profile

Develop publicity material

At least 500 brochures, 3,500 calendars, 2 newsletters, 500 diaries, 1,500 T-Shirts and 100 caps for exhibitors produced annually

Increase public awareness of KEFRI

Four Radio talks per year

Two TV features per year

Six features in print media produced annuallyKEFRI annual report produced

Nairobi ASK show coordinated annually

Coordinate ConsultancyServices

KEFRI Corporate CV updated, publicized and relevant consultancy services bidded

Increase awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Create awareness on (IPR)

Corporate Social Responsibility

Undertake social responsibility activities

At least two corporate social responsibility activities undertaken each year



OUTPUT 6. RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT CAPACITY STRENGTHENED

Objective Activity Performance Indicators

Time Frame

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012

Strengthen Human Resource Capacity

Support training of scientists at post graduate level

At least 11 scientists trained annually

Improve ICT skills 10 officers trained each year

Improve dissemination skills

10 officers trained annually

Strengthen project planning and management Skills

5 officers trained annually

Improve financial management

20 officers trained per year

Improve physical facilities

Construct office blocks at Gede, Kakamega, Lodwar, Kuja River, Marigat and Resource Centre at Karura.

6 office blocks built

Establish Garissa Sub-Centre

Sub-centre established

Increase budget

Joint sourcing of funds with partners

At least 4 donor projects initiated annually

Intensify internal revenue generation

Internal revenue maintained at the level of at least 3% of total annual budget

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