11.1. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING
11.2. FORESTRY RESEARCH
Malawi trains its personnel in the management of forest resources at certificate, diploma and degree level. The certificates and diplomas are offered at Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife, while degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels are obtained from outside the country. However, plans are underway to start a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree program at the University of Mzuzu, while Masters program in Social Forestry and Agroforestry have already started at Bunda College of Agriculture, a constituent College of the University of Malawi.
Training is also given to members of Village Natural Resources Committees in selected areas where co-management is being implemented. People are trained on how they can manage their village forest areas sustainably. Training institutions, like schools and colleges, also receive some public talks on the conservation of forests. This has also been included in the school curriculum so that the students are aware of the importance of protecting the forests.
11.2.1. National research policy
11.2.2. Forestry research programmes
The direction of forestry research in Malawi is guided by the National Research Policy, whose objectives are:
- to provide the public and private sector with the most appropriate technology for silvicultural management and multiple land use systems to achieve sustained production from any land set aside to meet forestry objectives;The research programs are carried out to address specific needs as guided by the National Forestry Research Committee (NFRC) that was established in 1978. The committee consists of representatives of stakeholders, Regional Forestry Officers, Divisional heads at Forestry Department headquarters, FRIM scientists (ex-official members) and is chaired by the Director of Forestry. This committee meets once every three years to:- to reduce the risk of losses from tree and timber pests and diseases;
- to advise on the best use of forest products following sound ecological conservation and management principles and practices.
- review the forestry research policy and recommend amendments;
- evaluate research progress and draw up three year research programs;
- create a framework for the annual research programs for the subsequent financial year.
11.2.2.1. Seed and tree improvement strategy area
11.2.2.2. Plantation strategy area
11.2.2.3. Trees on farm strategy area
11.2.2.4. Indigenous woodland management strategy area
Forestry research activities at FRIM are conducted through strategy area approach. FRIM has four strategy areas that include seed and tree improvement, trees on farms, indigenous woodland management and plantations. These strategy areas carry out various research activities that have been formulated by the National Forestry Research Committee. All programs are in line with the forest policy strategies for achieving national policy objectives, which specifies the promotion of all aspects of tree growing and management in the country for the benefit of the local people.
This covers the management of the National Tree Seed Centre (NTSC), development of seed production areas as well as research activities related to tree seed. The NTSC is responsible for collection and supply of tree seed. This is a technical service to tree growers and not a research activity. Management of the NTSC is the most important, single service function of FRIM. Management and development of seed production areas are located within the strategy area. Tree improvement activities, concerning the selection and testing of improved genetic material may, however, be conducted under other strategy areas. Research activities in this strategy area related to tree seed and its improvement include aspects of reproductive biology, seed pretreatment and germination enhancement and seed storage including pest control (FRIM, 1995a).
This strategy area covers research activities with direct benefit and relevance to large scale tree planters. The main beneficiaries are the Forestry Department and large estates. Smaller estates, groups and individuals will also benefit but may need innovative adaptations of the main plantation technologies due to their cover level of input and management. The development of improved genetic materials for drier zones will benefit both estates and smallholder sectors. A particularly important research function is to monitor the health of existing plantations and indigenous species with a view to developing integrated pest management options for new and emerging pest and diseases (FRIM, 1995b).
This strategy area covers research on those aspects of agroforestry systems that relate directly to the woody perennial component. Smallholder farmers, smaller estates, a number of governmental and non-governmental agencies have a major extension role and therefore, considerable interest in agroforestry research and its results.
Land degradation and reduced soil fertility is a major problem in Malawi. Agroforestry techniques have the potential to contribute significantly to alleviation of rural poverty through amelioration of environmental degradation, improved nutrition and the production of wood and timber products. Agroforestry includes a range of well-established traditional practices as well as a number of more recent innovations. The way forward is likely to be through the identification and improvement of locally developed systems. This route requires a greater concentration on social-economic aspects than has hitherto been the case (FRIM, 1995c).
This strategy area embraces programs on productivity and use, ecology and status, regeneration, establishment and protection, including fire management. There are two broad issues in this strategy area; firstly, management of extensive areas such as forest reserves, and secondly, management of smaller blocks such as village forest areas. Although general principles are similar in both situations, the intensity of management and range of products differ and this needs to be considered in both research planning and extension (FRIM, 1995d).
