The African Forest Research Network (AFORNET) is a network of individual scientists who are active in tree and forest research in Africa. AFORNET connects people, ideas and information on trees and forests. The network helps forest scientists to improve skills, access resources for research, collaborate among themselves, and better target research on development needs.

• AFORNET's vision is Forest Science in Africa making a significant contribution to livelihoods, social and economic development and environmental improvement.
• Its Mission is to strengthen capacity and mobilise resources for forest research in Africa “Forest science for African development”
• The overall Objective is to contribute to the social and economic well being of African people through sustainable management of tree and forest resources that is informed by high quality research

AFORNET's beginning dates back to 1991 as a Capacity Building Programme of the African Academy of Sciences in Forestey Research (CBFR). Over its first and second phases which covered 1991 to 1997, close to 100 young scientists were awarded research grants in specific areas of forest-related development. The third phase (1998-2001) saw the consolidation of all the Young Scientists Programmes and the establishment of AFORNET Network.

The main idea behind forming the Network was to build upon and enhance the utilisation of human and institutional
capacities that the CBFR Project had built over the 1991-1997 period. Ever since, AFORNET has assumed the mission of building capacity for forest research in Africa through better coordination of research efforts and linking of scientists within Africa.

Achievements

Since its inception, AFORNET has approved over 250 grants throughout Africa. 216 of these were in the young scientists programmes while 38 were in the Thematic research area. AFORNET has made visible impacts in 26 African countries to date. Most countries participating in the Thematic Research Program collaborated with five to eight other countries. For every grant awarded and every participating scientist, an average of 15 other persons in their institutions benefited. Moreover, their institutions acquired research equipment, attained more visibility, had more research activities, and have partnered with other institutions as a direct result of AFORNET grants. AFORNET grantees have reported having improved their research skills and expanded their professional contacts. Close to half of them have sourced and obtained additional research funding as a result of their experience with AFORNET. They also benefited from professional development, job promotion, awards and prizes impacting positively upon their professional vigour and satisfaction especially as they were able to share their research findings at scientific meetings and provided inputs into policy reviews, strategies and development projects.

Grants Issued by AFORNET in Africa

For further enquiries contact:

The AFORNET Programme Coordinator
Click Here for Contact Details 

Click Here to visit the AFORNET website