5.1. FORESTRY RESEARCH
5.2. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Forestry research in Tanzania has significantly contributed to the development of forest resources in the country, particularly in establishment of industrial plantations (MLNRT, 1989). Species and provenance trials and different tending techniques have contributed to the successful establishment of forest plantations, while other studies have contributed to better understanding of forest ecosystems. Social-economic studies have produced information on production and general utilization of forest products (TAFORI, 1999).
In Tanzania, forestry research is mainly conducted by two organizations (the Tanzania Forestry Research institute, TAFORI, and the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, SUA). The TAFORI is a governmental institution which was established in 1980 and mandated with the responsibility of undertaking and coordinating forestry research in Tanzania, while the SUA is a training institution which undertakes forestry research in addition to teaching responsibility. The NTSP is also undertaking applied research on tree seed procurement.
Based on a survey (TAFORI, 1999), several institutions were reported to be involved in forestry and forestry related research activities in the country. These include the Forestry Training Institute, the College of African Wildlife, the Forest Industries Training Institute, the Njiro Wildlife Research Institute, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (UDSS), the Faculty of Science (UDSM), the Tropical Pesticide Research Institute, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Building Research Unity of the Ministry of Land and Human Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institutes and the University of Land and Architectural Studies.
In addition to the named organizations, there are several NGOs such as Tanganyika Wattle Company, Kilombero Valley Teak Company, Wildlife Fund for Nature and the Wildlife Society of Tanzania.
Most research resources in Tanzania serves the universities as compared to other institutions. Many institutions are adversely affected by recurrent problems with respect to funding and physical resources.
Due to its importance in the development of the forest sector, forest policy has pointed out promotion and strengthening of forestry research in the country. To that end, the Forestry Research Master Plan has been revised to have more national outlook.
Forestry education is provided by three major institutions. These are the Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Forestry Training Institute and the Forest Industries Training Institute. Generally, there is no major deficiency in the number of professional and technical level forestry staffs (MLNRT, 1989).
