A. Kaudia
Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O. Box 20412, Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: kefri@arcc.or.ke
The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) was established in 1986. Previously it existed as a Forest Research Conservancy within the Forest Department. Following recent rationalisation of government ministries the institute was moved from the Ministry of Research and Technical Training to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
An internal review of the institute was undertaken in 1995. This was followed by an external research programme and management review in late 1996 and early 1997, and, as a result, the research programmes were consolidated into four core research programmes, namely Farm Forestry, Natural Forests, Forest Plantations and Dryland Forestry. Furthermore, a research matrix project management approach across programmes was adopted to encourage problem-oriented and multidisciplinary research. Research findings with scope for extensive application by a spectrum of end users are now considered to be essential. A Service Programme whose main functions are the documentation and dissemination of research findings supports the four core research programmes (KEFRI 1999). This new structure of KEFRI became operational in September 1998. KEFRI currently employs 95 research scientists, (PhD, 11; MSc, 51; and BSc, 33). Twenty-four of these scientists are training for higher degrees (PhD, 13 and MSc, 11).
This paper describes the biometric situation in KEFRI and ways to improve it based on results of an informal mail survey done in November 1999 by the Service Programme. A quick appraisal was done to generate information on availability of or access to biometrics expertise within and outside the institute, types of statistical and data management software used, availability of computers and the numbers of scientists that need training in biometrics. A one-page questionnaire was sent to 70 scientists. Fifteen completed the questionnaire.
In 1988 KEFRI employed a postgraduate mathematician to provide a service in biometrics. A biometrics and data processing unit was created comprising the designated biometrician and a technician. Nine years later, in 1997, the biometrician proceeded for PhD training abroad. It is presumed that after training the officer will resume work at KEFRI.
Since 1997 KEFRI has had no internal biometric support and most KEFRI scientists currently do not consult a biometrician when designing their experiments. Only 5 of the 15 respondents reported that they consult a biometrician and, of these, two have access to a biometrics service outside KEFRI. This individualistic approach to research by KEFRI scientists has encouraged them to utilise their own research experience in the design and analysis of their experiments according to their respective fields of specialisation. The research areas for which scientists nevertheless believe that biometric services are needed are, in descending order: on-farm trials, on-station experiments and laboratory experiments.
Scientists use different types of software for data management and processing (Table1). Most scientists have access to shared computers, running on Windows 95. One or two projects have computers running on Windows 98.
Table 1. Different computer software used by 15 of 70 KEFRI scientists responding to a quick appraisal survey of biometrics needs.
Type of software |
Number of users |
Data management |
|
Quatro Pro |
1 |
Excel |
7 |
Lotus |
5 |
Statistics |
|
Genstat |
2 |
Minitab |
2 |
SAS |
1 |
SPSS |
2 |
Seven of the 15 respondents have received some training in biometrics during the past five to 10 years. Three reported that the courses were relevant to them, three not. The remedial short-term training courses that the 15 respondents considered important are listed in Table 2. The perceived training needs are primarily in the use of statistical packages, in experimental design and in data management.
The questionnaire included a question on respondent's opinion on how the biometric services in KEFRI can be improved.
Table 2. Training needs in biometrics and related subjects considered most important by 15 of 70 scientists responding to the questionnaire.
Type of course |
Number of respondents |
Relevant statistics software |
9 |
Data management |
4 |
Experimental design |
4 |
Data interpretation |
1 |
Sample survey |
1 |
Collection, management and processing of sociological data |
1 |
Non-parametric statistics |
1 |
Finally, it could be argued that, although the survey was undertaken as a quick appraisal of biometric needs and there was no follow-up of non-responders, the poor response (15/70) may indicate a general lack of appreciation among a number of KEFRI scientists of the importance of good quality biometric support.
KEFRI. 1999. Strategic plan 1999-2004. Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya.
