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RANET Program Structure

RANET operates through a highly decentralized management and implementation structure. Originally, this organizational structure was accidental, but over time the program has made a conscious decision to maintain its flexible and locally owned nature.  To a large degree, RANET is organizationally similar to many open source technology projects; relying on volunteer contributions, capable of being customized, promoting the exchange of experience and technique.  Nonetheless, RANET is managed at four basic geographic levels:  national, local, regional, global.

National Level: The primary management point is the National Meteorological-Hydrological Service or similar national agency. The national agency serves as the primary coordinator; facilitating network growth in country, guiding and/or distributing content over the system, managing donor or other resources, etc. 

Community Radio Station visit in Uganda by the RANET Africa Regional TeamLocal Level: If RANET is managed at the national level, it is owned at the local level. RANET works to ensure community participation and ownership of equipment. The community is also encouraged to assist with content development, articulating needs and decision structures, and similar activities.

 
Regional Level: Once there are a number of countries active in a region (e.g., WMO RA I or V) regional coordination and leadership teams are formed. These serve to build regional cooperation and support among RANET country programs, as well as generally report on trends, needs, and other activities. 
 
Global Level: The RANET global team is comprised of individuals who work to manage shared communications infrastructure (e.g.- satellite broadcasts) and to develop new tools. The global team also facilitates funding and cross-region interaction.