ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya are non-profit partner organizations dedicated to advancing research, teaching, and outreach in Western Kenya and surrounding regions, through an international training centre. Learn more about our Location.

Background

Kenya’s rich biodiversity, comprising over 35,000 species of macroorganisms, along with numerous fungi and microorganisms, is crucial for the nation’s economy and well-being. However, these resources face increasing threats from unsustainable practices and climate change, leading to ecosystem degradation. ITCER is committed to addressing these challenges by fostering education, promoting sustainable resource management, and building resilience against climate change. The Kenyan government is making strides in biodiversity conservation, and ITCER aims to support these efforts through educational initiatives and community engagement.

Organizational Structure

ITCER is a regional organization registered in Germany (e.V.) and Kenya as an international NGO. Both ITCER Kenya and ITCER e.V. have a board of directors composed of elected members from Kenya and other countries. A management committee, including the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, oversees ITCER’s progress. The associations together include a network of over 20 professionals who contribute to ITCER’s initiatives, guided by the Executive Director.

Members and Memberships

ITCER Kenya and ITCER e.V. members are drawn from academic institutions such as Egerton University, Maseno University (Kenya), University of Bamenda (Cameroon), University of Bayreuth, University of Hohenheim, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, and Hochschule Karlsruhe (Germany). Additionally, members include professionals from organizations like BIO-Diverse, SNSB IT Center, and Stiftung Pfennigparade (Germany), enhancing ITCER’s interdisciplinary approach to research and outreach.

ITCER works closely with local universities to foster collaboration and build stronger academic partnerships.

Donors and funders include the University of Bayreuth, University of Hohenheim, University of Tübingen, Senior Expert Service (SES), and the African-German Youth Initiative (AGYO).

ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya are also partners and members of other relevant organizations.

Kenyan government support includes partnerships with the County Government of Siaya, Kenya Forest Service, KEPHIS, NEMA, and the NGO Coordination Board Office.

ITCER’s Role

ITCER provides case-based training in environmental sciences for postgraduate students, scientists, and stakeholders in Kenya and neighboring countries. The organization facilitates the implementation of environmental knowledge, promotes sustainable resource use, supports community development, and engages in sustainable agriculture and indigenous species conservation. ITCER also collaborates with local organizations, enhances capacity building through workshops and conferences, and conducts scientific research to improve production capabilities.

Facilitating environmental education and outreach programs.
Promoting conservation and sustainable resource use.
Supporting community development and sustainable agriculture.
Collaborating with related organizations and local initiatives.
Building capacity through training and research to improve local practices.

Environmental Science Research and Training

Biodiversity: Support sustainable resource management and ecosystem services through community engagement and education.
Climate Change: Collaborate with local governments and communities on regional strategies for resilience against climate impacts.
Sustainable Agriculture: Work with communities to advance and implement sustainable farming practices.
Renaturation: Support local communities and governments in their efforts to restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity.
Community Development: Empower local communities through training, education, and support for sustainable initiatives.

Strategic Approaches

Engage in strategic partnerships and regional collaboration to support environmental and community efforts.
Develop a regional center for sharing information on environmental, climate, and biodiversity topics.
Work with grassroots groups and promote responsible practices among businesses.

Aims

ITCER seeks to supplement university curricula with practical training in environmental management, aligned with regional needs and sustainable development goals.

Encourage networking among diverse actors to support sustainable development.
Strengthen connections through dialogue, training, and community initiatives.
Focus on practical research and education to support biodiversity and climate resilience.

by Denice ('Deno') Ochieng Maramba, © ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya — CC BY-NC-ND

Activities

Educational Concept and Planning

ITCER offers workshops and seminars led by international experts, with future plans for lab-based training. Financial support is provided based on need.

Programme

ITCER’s academic program includes:

Envisaged Teaching Modules: Planned for up to 15 students, focusing on advanced diagnostics.
Seminars: One- to three-day sessions covering key environmental topics.
Outreach Presentations: Planned to engage local communities starting next year.

Envisaged Training Areas

Training will cover biodiversity, soil and water conservation, plant pathology, and data management.

Apply for an Event

Application details will be announced soon. Please check our website for updates.

Ongoing Research Projects

Research includes:

Plastiphily is linked to generic virulence traits of important human pathogenic fungi – Gkoutselis, G.M., Rohrbach, S., Harjes, J., Brachmann, A., Horn, M.A., Rambold, G. Communications Earth & Environment (2024). Read more
Management and publication of scientific data on traditional mycological and lichenological knowledge in Africa – Kinge, T.R., Jefwa, J.M., Houdanon, R.D., Milenge, H.K., Abdel-Azeem, A.M., Gryzenhout, M., Triebel, D., Weibulat, T., Rambold, G. Lichenologist (2023). Read more
Chemical properties of key metabolites determine the global distribution of lichens – Schweiger, A., Ullmann, M., Nürk, N.M., Triebel, D., Schobert, R., Rambold, G. Ecology Letters (2021). Read more

... more

Resources

Visit our Resources page for access to macrobiome images, online training software, and other deliverables.

Events

Stay tuned for upcoming events and activities at ITCER. We host a variety of workshops and seminars throughout the year. Check back regularly for updates on our event calendar.

ITCER — Events

Events including important visits to site, seminars, workshops, and courses.

Facilities

The new gate — 11.09.2023

Gallery images © ITCER e.V., 2023

Hostels nearby

Bookings can be made via ITCER.

Roadmap

The ITCER facilities are developing with time. While the plot of land was purchased in 2016 and construction of the first building (hosting lab and seminar room) started in June 2018 (both financed via private financial means), the final finishes to the building were achieved end-2022. This allows us to now begin developing and arranging for the training and research programme in collaboration and universities in Western Kenya and responsible governmental bodies. In order to run the courses (the first seminars have taken place in 2^nd half of 2022), first donations are sought for further equipping the laboratory and IT (see Donation).

Location

LOCATION OF TRAINING CENTRE

ITCER is located in Ng’iya, Siaya County, Western Kenya, 60 km from Kisumu at Lake Victoria (see Site map).

The site is characterized by developed public infrastructure and proximity to diverse natural ecosystems such as savanna, rainforest, and wetlands, which serve as training grounds for fieldwork.

© ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya — CC BY-NC-ND

Google Maps

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Biodiversity on Site

Acanthus polystachus (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae, Acantheae) — 21.10.2022

cf. Anthonomus sp. (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Anthonomini) — 03.10.2022

Under Resources below, you will find the total inventory of images related to the site’s macrobiome.