Overview of the Institute

The Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research (IAER) was established in 2020 to coordinate all research activities within the University’s (TaTU) niche agricultural and environmental study areas; specifically Agricultural and Environmental Research as related to actionable results.
Aim
Amongst the several aims of establishing the institute is to train researchers, and students in Agricultural and Environmental disciplines, and to develop practical skills in high impact research. With the objective to fill the employment institutional voids in various economic sectors, for rapid and sustainable, socio-economic growth. This will be achieved through education and support to students, and young researchers through strategic partnerships and collaborations. IAER will therefore work across all related faculties, departments, directorates and centers at the University to achieve this mandate.

Vision Statement

The vision of the IAER is to be a model research center of applied knowledge and creative innovation, and to also become a hub of excellence for the execution of high quality, and cutting-edge research related skills as integral to effective human capital development for the betterment of society.

Mission Statement

The IAER shall provide high impact, responsive, demand-driven and accessible research in Agricultural and Environmental areas in partnership with relevant industrial and educational stakeholders.  Research results will be transferred to stakeholders through modern educational program and dissemination tools such as TVET, CBT, and Machine Learning. Its research activity will strengthen rural development, contribute to the adoption of a sustainable rural policy, and foster innovation.

Values

The core values of IAER shall be:

• Accountability
• Discipline and Dedication
• Professionalism and Teamwork
• High impact research
• Moral soundness and High Motivation

Functions of the Institute

The main functions of the institute shall include:

• Establish, and maintain collaborations with key government MMDAs and other relevant private sector agencies in capacity building;
• Liaise with the Institutional Collaboration Directorate to facilitate partnership and forge strong linkages with relevant national and international institutes and centers to foster research networks between targeted faculties and researchers;
• Write proposals in relevant niche areas to mobilize resources for impactful research and scalable applicability;
• Work with the Research and Innovation Directorate to coordinate seminars, conferences and other pertinent training courses for students and lecturers in targeted disciplines;
• Work with the Research and Innovation and other Directorates and Faculties to establish a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal for the University;
• Support relevant faculties in research and project work;
• Provide training support to graduates interested in research.
• Liaise with the Research and Innovation and other Directorates and Faculties to establish a research and project work database for TaTU with replication for Technical Universities in general.
• Provide support in developing modern technologies in food production, processing and post-harvest handling
• Through our mandate, IAER will address the needs of humankind, focusing on finding solutions to challenges faced by socially and economically disadvantaged groups, and contributing to their sustained prosperity.

Key Activity Areas

The main activity focus of the institute shall be in the niche area of TaTU; agricultural and environmental related disciplines as well as research in other related disciplines. These activities shall include:

• Agricultural and Environmental Innovation
• Alternative Energy Sources
• Climate-Smart Agriculture
• Indigenous technology
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
• Food production, processing and storage
• Post-harvest Impact Assessment and Management
• Product and Service Development
• Recycling and Waste Management