The task of CHE/IDS encompasses a unique blend of four interrelated areas: Community-based development Training and Mentoring, Research, Fellowship, and Documentation and Publication.

The major areas of focus are:

1. Sustainable Livelihoods (Environment, Food security, Agricultural Development, Natural Resources Management)
2. Organizational Capacity Development
3. Development Management
4. Participatory methods and Networking
5. Governance and Gender
6. HIV/AIDS and the disease burden

Through these objective and tasks, CHE/IDS promotes building up of indigenous knowledge on methods and techniques of participatory development; advances and supports the improvement of the communication and co-operation between the governmental political administrative and technical structures and civil society organizations at different levels, on local, national and/or regional. It collects, collates and disseminates the wealth of experience within civil society and civic institutions actively involved in the promotion of popular participation in development programmes in Ethiopia and the region. This will enable progress in achieving gender-sensitive development, healthy environment, sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation programmes targeted at the poor.

Organisational framework and professional staff

Centre for Human Environment is an NGO with slim structure. It is an autonomous body governed by a Board of Directors. It is advised by a Research and Academic Council (co-opted on the basis of their academic and professional background). The Board of Directors provides strategic policy guidance and approves the work programme of the Centre. Moreover, it monitors the proper implementations of the approved activities of the organisation. The Management body, lead by the Director is the responsible organ for the day to day activities of the projects in line with the decision of the Board. CHE/IDS has a network of several civil society leaders, intellectuals, development practitioners, management experts, environmentalists and scientists from all disciplines