The Lake Victoria Basin Eco-Region Research Programme (LVBERP)

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LVBERP, is mandated to undertake forestry research mainly within the Lake Victoria Basin. The eco-region is unique in natural resource endowment, economic and political conditions. Of particular importance in forestry research is the unique history, forest resources and culture of the people of the Lake Basin and the requirements for management of the forest types and allied natural resources. LVBERP implements its research and development activities through four thematic areas namely: Forest Productivity and Improvement; Biodiversity and Environment Management; Socio-economics, Policy and Governance; and Technical Support Services.

Location

LVBERP headquarters is situated in Maseno, 32 km north-west of Kisumu, off the Kisumu- Busia Highway after Maseno University. The eco-region research programme sub-centres are located in Kakamega, Kuja River, Ramogi and Migori.

Geographical Coverage

LVBERP covers 10 counties namely; Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Vihiga, Homabay, Nyamira, Kisii and Migori.

Forest Productivity and Improvement

Studies on water use dynamics of fast growing tree species such as Eucalyptus

Tree and crop interactions in mixed farming systems

Tree diversification, management and utilization

Pests and diseases management on various tree species

Development and domestication of multi-purpose indigenous tree species

Biodiversity and Environment Management

Bamboo propagation and management

Soil and water management

Development of technologies for conservation and stabilization of river banks

Socio-economics, Policy and Governance

Valuation of forestry resources and products

Studies on Payment for Environmental Services (PES)

Socio-cultural values of forests and tree growing

Participatory Forest Management (PFM)

Economic analysis of tree investments and land use change

Forest Productivity and Improvement

Eco-regions
Use of integrated soil fertility management
in maize productivity
Eco-regions
Fast growing Eucalyptus grandis

Developed technologies for improved fallows and biomass transfer

Developed technologies for integrated soil fertility management

Developed suitable on-farm high value trees

Established and maintained improved seed sources

Biodiversity and Environment Management

Eco-regions
Rehabilitation of degraded Maragoli hills,
Vihiga County

Developed technologies for rehabilitation of degraded hills and natural forests

Developed technologies for river catchment protection using bamboo, Zizygium guizensis and Croton macrostachyus

Socio-economics, Policy and Governance

Developed a group based small scale farmer credit system

Developed frameworks for PES

Undertook economic valuation of forest resources

Developed a guideline on financial analysis of tree growing

Technical Support Services

Disseminated various technologies and information on forestry through open and field days, agricultural shows, conferences and workshops, print and electronic media

Trained stakeholders in various aspects of forestry including: rehabilitation of degraded natural forests; tree nursery management; and bamboo propagation and utilization

Eco-regions
Fast growing Eucalyptus grandis

Our Products

High quality tree seeds and seedlings

Our Services

Training in tree nursery management

Training in propagation and management of bamboo

Student attachment

Advisory services on forestry and allied natural resources

Consultancy services in forestry and allied natural resources

Soil analysis

Eco-regions
Eco-regions
Eco-regions
Eco-regions