Range Ecology
Natural resources form the basis of livelihoods in the arid districts. Projects and activities implemented under this program are geared towards minimizing risks associated with natural resource degradation. The program generates technologies for enhancing sustainable use and productivity of natural land resources for improved livelihoods.

Livestock Production and Ecology
Livestock being the lifeline of the pastoral communities inhabiting the Centre mandate area, this program develops technologies appropriate to improvement of the productivity of priority livestock species with special emphasis on camels and small stock.

Crop production
Although extensive livestock production is the mainstay of the economy in the mandate districts, opportunities for rainfed and or irrigated agriculture exist in the few “oases” and mountain areas with average annual rainfall of 600-800 mm. The uniqueness of these areas calls for establishment of adaptive research initiatives for the development of low cost crop production systems that are intensive, without adversely affecting the intricate ecological balance in these fragile ecosystems or being in conflict with the existing pastoral systems. Another important area of research under this program is testing of crops that can tolerate drought and salinity.

Food and post harvest management
Food security in the arid areas is a matter of critical concern and although food shortages are common, there is considerable wastage during times of plenty and in normal seasondue to lack of appropriate post-harvest management technologies. Processing and value adding which is an important stage in the agricultural product value chains is central to this program.

Socio-economics & biometrics
This program elucidate the socio-economic factors that are pertinent to the adoption of new technologies and research information being generated by the Centre with a view to ensuring impact. Furthermore, the program explores alternative livelihoods for pastoralists in order to enable them adapt to changing socio-economic and ecological circumstances. This program also addresses retrogressive cultural practices. There are situations where pastoralists starve or suffer nutritional deficiencies in the midst of alternative foods, which, due to cultural barriers cannot be consumed.  The Rendille people who border Lake Turkana provide a classical example. The community has starved in several occasions while there was plenty of fish in the lake. Other communities hardly consume chicken, again due to cultural beliefs. Marketing studies (consumer tastes, preferences and demands) for both livestock and crop-based products are carried out under this program. This is the program that brings human face into the Centre research efforts.

OTHER FACILITATIVE DEPARTMENTS

Laboratory
The Centre laboratory facility is normally used for research, diagnostic purposes to support farmers and students. For a long time, the Centre laboratory lacked important equipments particularly those that would facilitate analytical chemistry on livestock feed material, blood, soils, water; microbiological analysis and diagnosis work. Over the reporting period, KASAL project facilitated procurement of many new and repair of defective equipments. This has significantly improved the Centre capacity to not only handle research samples but also serve farmers better.

Supplies
Stores and supplies department deals with procurement and issuing of goods and services to different departments. Its major role is to facilitate other departments for smooth running of centre activities. Procurement of goods and services is done according to government procedures. In this case there was strict observance of instruments of procurement such as S11, quotations LPOs and account 38. Contract agreements, among others were also used accordingly. In general end users apply for goods and/or services by use of S11. In turn the supplies department either issues the said items or orders from outside if they are not in stock. Accounting documents would reflect the procedures followed.

Accounts
Ensures proper revenue collection and management of standing imprests and research project funds.

Transport
Charged with management of Centre vehicles. Currently the Centre has a fleet of 8 serviceable vehicles.

Guest House
KARI Marsabit operates a modest guest house. Currently the guesthouse has a capacity of 4 (four) guests. However there are plans to increase this to 12 (twelve).

Guest house