Where are you: Home Services Information

Information is often overlooked as the fourth factor of production; land, labour and
capital cannot be efficiently deployed in its absence.  Information is just as crucial in environmental management; to establish the current status of, and trends in, key environmental variables; to assess whether adverse changes are occuring, and if
so, why; to evaluate the respective environmental costs and economic or social
benefits of the changes; and to establish whether an intended or anticipated
outcome is occurring.  Access to accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information on
the state of the environment is thus a priority for informed decision-making on
environmental and development issues in Zimbabwe.

The Institute is also responsible for improving communication among researchers
and others interested in environmental issues.  This leads to more and better
interdisciplinary research and training.  A facility for developing briefing papers has
been developed, along with the channels necessary for ensuring that these reach
the intended audience.

At present, no single voice addresses the main environmental issues on behalf of
the University.  The Institute, reflecting the interests f individuals and departments
concerned with environmental issues, is well placed to present unified arguments
on environmental issues.  In this respect, the Institute probably receives more
attention that several departments making the same argument individually.

The medium-term strategy of the Information Service is:

• To contribute to the effective dissemination of research results.
• To establish a means of ensuring effective communication between policy
  makers and researchers.

Back To Top