Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (DFIDEA)

Contractor:
Technical Cooperation Officer

Project Code: 031-500-078	Start Date: 01-Apr-96	End Date: 01-Dec-98
Commitment: £630,381	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The East African Herbarium is the largest National Museum Department in terms of staff, and ranks as the second largest plant collection of its kind in Africa, housing over 750,000 specimens. It retains an historic role as the reference herbarium for the whole of the East African region. The recently completed project in support of the Plant Conservation and Propagation Unit, funded by DFID from 1991 had, as its objective, strengthening of the infrastructure and research capabilities of the NMK. It has largely achieved its objectives and considerable quantities of rare plant germplasm have been collected and examined and laboratory staff have been trained in technical and managerial skills.

The Herbarium is arguably one of the strongest departments in NMK and potentially a significant revenue generator. The PCP 2 Project will further strengthen its capabilities to undertake paid contract research and botanical survey on a sustainable basis, as well as improve its ability to provide information, technologies and advice on the conservation of plants to rural populations.

Project Objectives:
National Museum of Kenya's role in and capacity to support sustainable management of plant biodiversity strengthened through training the general public, particularly rural people, in the conservation and utilisation of rare/valuable plants, and through surveys, generic assessment and conservation.

Intended Outputs:
Management development plan for the East African Herbarium prepared and implemented

Database development and management improved.

Training and ex situ conservation facilities established.

EAH's capability to carry out botanical surveys and assist in preparation of projects with NGOs, rural communities and other implementing agencies strengthened.

NMK outreach and education progamme to schools and local communities established.

Training programme for NMK staff completed (degrees awarded in post-project period).