The Grassland and Degraded Areas Ecosystems Research Division (GDAERD) implements R & D programs and projects geared towards the development of appropriate, effective and efficient rehabilitation strategies for grasslands and degraded areas of the country utilizing ecologically-sustainable, environmentally-sound and socioeconomically acceptable R & D concepts. It also generates research information, technologies towards the production and wise utilization of grassland resources.
It has three sections. The Grassland Hydrology Section conducts researches for soil and water conservation and valuation of different grassland uses affecting productivity and degradation as watershed cover. The Land Rehabilitation Section formulates and implements effective approaches in rehabilitating degraded areas, grassland critical watersheds and providing cover to open lands and schemes to improve the low productivity status of grassland/degraded areas ecosystems. The Grassland Management Section conducts scientifically-based grazing land strategies towards increased grassland productivity, effective grazing management and grassland protection.
The Division evaluates and monitors regional research plans on rehabilitating degraded ecosystems and provides technical expertise to field researches, private clientele and non-governmental organizations on techniques of replenishing denuded grasslands, marginal and degraded areas.
