Experiences from forestry Research Networks; a paper presented to Regional Workshop on the Formation of an African Forest Pest Network held in Nairobi.

Abstract

It is observed that poor inter-African cOmlnunication systems and lack of fora for information exchange is leading to duplication of efforts and waste of scarce resources. More over current underfunding of forestry research programmes and related factors have weakened the ability of many institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to respond to pest outbreaks. On the other hand, forest pests move freely in all areas where their hosts occur, in defiance of territorial boundaries. Recognizing that the countries of the SSA region constitute one major quarantine block; it is recommended that the region should impose identical quarantine restrictions, and to observe common pest monitoring systems. Available experiences show that these weaknesses can be addressed effectively through an African forest pest network. The paper cognizes a range of existing forest and forest-related networks in Africa. Factors that favour and enhance the success of a network are acknowledged. The significance of a strong leadership with demonstrable stature and scholarship in the field of study is noted and the imperatives of involving all players from the planning stage and throughout all stages of project implementation, including data analysis and dissemination of results are stressed. It is urged that these attnbutes accord credit of visibility in the roll of partnership and ownership of the network and over time cultivate confidence and commitment to collaboration. A conceptual framework of a model network based on the FAO's proposed Forestry Research Network for Sub-Saharan Africa (FORNESSA) is presented for the workshop's consideration.