The role of international research agencies in strengthening forest research in Africa

Among the range of problems requiring research, some are most relevant for particular countries and require special local knowledge or facilities for research. Others are common to eco-regions or ecosystems which span several countries; for these, a regional approach through networked research groups may be more efficient and effective. CIFOR has identified a set of strategic problems, through surveys of demands, which involve research leading to generalizable results, adaptable to local situations. CIFOR will work through institution-strengthening associations with national partners towards resolution of these strategic problems.