Regional remote sensing facility

PES covers the period 4/80-7/81 and is based on document review and discussions with the Spectral Data Corporation. Targets have been or are being met regarding recruitment of counterparts (although more are needed) and their assumption of project responsibilities; remote sensing (RS) training; commodity procurement; augmentation and updating of the browse files in the RRSF"s photo laboratory; publication of the newsletter; provision of user services to the public (although staff and funds for this are low); and communication between the RRSF and REDSO (recently improved). Also, progress has been made toward establishing national RS centers in such countries as Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. On the other hand, delays in launching Landsat D have prevented the targeted analysis of Landsat D imagery; library materials at the Regional Center for Services in Surveying and Mapping (RCSSM) are woefully inadequate; no formal demonstration projects have been initiated (although a resource inventory and food monitoring program using RS has begun operating in Zimbabwe); no regional symposia on RS have been held (due to the Government of Kenya"s lack of cooperation); and only Tanzania was not in arrears in contributing to the RCMMS. Phase II of the RRSF program, which will begin with the appointment of a counterpart Director, will aim at teaching RS techniques to LDC resource managers. To prepare for this phase, the current Director should engage in RS consultations with Southern African countries, East African USAID offices, and other possible donors for Kenya (several have expressed interest) and prepare for reception of NASA"s RS collection in the RCMMS. The new Project Paper should specify training, equipment, and staff needs, as well as the future RCMMS responsiblities. REDSO should provide a financial advisor to the RRSF and an RS specialist to work with the Project Officer. Expatriates, who will continue to be needed, should focus future TA and training on photo interpretation/photo geology. A 3-year project extension is recommended.