Trends in Forestry Education in Southeast Asia 1993-2002:

a survey of 35 universities and colleges in six countries

Contents

Introduction

Conclusions and lessons learned

Findings from regional analysis of trends in forestry education in Southeast Asia 1993-2002

Countries and institutions

I. Forestry Graduates

II. Enrollment

III. Employment

IV. Roles of Foresters

V. Resources, Facilities and Funding

VI. Priority Needs

Annex 1. National study coordinators and Institutions included in this study

Annex 2. Questionnaire

Introduction

This report presents the results of a survey of trends in forestry education 1993-2002 in 35 institutions in six Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The study was carried out during May - June 2003 by the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE), with financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The purpose of the study was to develop a good understanding of issues that impact on quality, volume and relevance of forestry education in SEAsia, so that stakeholders can be sensitized appropriately. This is a parallel study to one earlier conducted for Africa.

Specific objectives

• To establish an overview and analysis of the number of forestry graduates in SEAsia over the last ten years, and from the analysis, to establish trends in forestry education
• To understand the changed roles of the forester and relate that with curriculum developments
• To capture the funding and resource situation over the same years; and
• To set and prioritize Africa's forestry education needs.

One person in each country carried out a national study. National study coordinators were identified through SEANAFE member institutions. Using a questionnaire, institutional data was collected, verified via interviews when needed and compiled into a national report. In a second step, data was analysed regionally. In total, thirty-five institutions responded (Annex 1).

This study was carried out in six countries with large differences among them in terms of size, population, resources, history etc. For the purpose of this analysis we therefore provide specific national examples, whenever it is relevant. For example, over this 10-year study period, Laos had only 222 first degree forestry graduates, while the Indonesian institutions had 8490. Regional averages may therefore be misleading and miss out on important national diversions from the overall trend. The main trends captured in this study are presented in the following.

¹ Capacity Building Specialist, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) SEAsia Regional Programme, Bogor, Indonesia

² Lecturer, Bogor Agriculture University, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor, Indonesia