Networks

African Network for Agroforestry Education

This is a very active network, providing an extremely valuable educational service. August Temu and his team are to be congratulated for their success. /RRBL

The African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE) was launched in 1993 with financial support from the Swedish International Development Authority (Sida). Its goal is to promote and support a multidisciplinary approach in the teaching of agriculture and natural resources management, with a focus on agroforestry. The Network’s specific objectives are to: (1) strengthen the content and delivery of tertiary education in agriculture, forestry and natural resource management with a special focus on the incorporation of agroforestry; and (2) facilitate linkages among education, research and extension to maintain the relevance of the educational programs. Presently, ANAFE comprises 98 member institutions in 34 countries across Africa, including many universities and technical colleges. The network is coordinated from the headquarters of ICRAF in Nairobi, Kenya.

ANAFE provides fellowships for postgraduate studies and research in agroforestry, facilitates staff exchanges and develops teaching materials. It sponsors regular meetings and workshops for the exchange of information and expertise, and publishes the results in a series of Training and Education Reports. A newsletter, Agroforestry Education News, is published twice a year.

ANAFE has appointed two focal institutions in each of the four regions where it operates, including the Institut Polytechnique Rural de Katibougou, Mali and Université du Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in the semi-arid lowlands of west Africa; Université Nationale du Bénin and the University of Science and Technology, Ghana in the humid lowlands of west Africa; Embu Agricultural Staff Training College, Kenya and Makerere University, Uganda in eastern and central Africa; and Botswana College of Agriculture and Bunda College of Agriculture, Malawi in southern Africa. From 1999 onwards, activities will be devolved to these regional setups to increase grassroots ownership, management, sustainability, flexibility and efficiency of the Network.

© Prof. August B. Temu, Coordinator,
ANAFE, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri,
P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya;
Tel. +254.2.521450,
Fax +254.2.521001,
E-mail a.temu@cgnet.com or icraf@cgnet.com

‘Agroforestry has become one of the fastest developing land-use disciplines in tertiary level educational institutions of eastern and southern Africa. In the 1990s, it has become a separate course in more than half of the agricultural, forestry, and natural resources colleges and universities in the region. According to findings from my recent visits to 15 ANAFE member colleges and universities of agriculture, forestry, and natural resources in the region, agroforestry teaching has considerably developed in prominence and course content over the past 5 to 10 years. In the mid-1980s agroforestry was not taught in 54% of the institutions, and in the remaining 46% it was taught as a small portion of another course. Now agroforestry is a separate course of 50-70 contact hours in 66% of the institutions...

The African Network for Agroforestry Education. = countries with ANAFE members = focal institutions

With the availability of more teaching materials and methodology guidelines, and with the increased institutional collaboration through ANAFE, the course content of and the systematic approach to agroforestry teaching have improved. Many of the institutions have now developed curricula that have the basic components of agroforestry. Future prospects show there is still room for further improvement and expansion of agroforestry education in the region. Nearly all of the institutions plan to offer agroforestry as a separate course, and some colleges and universities are planning to introduce new certificate, diploma and BSc programmes in agroforestry.’

Ewnetu, Z. 1998. Progress in agroforestry education in eastern and southern Africa. Agroforestry Education News 5(1):4.

Forest, Farm and Community Tree Network

FACT Net, with ICRAF and other institutions, produced a book in 1998 called Domestication of Agroforestry Trees in Southeast Asia, adding to the increasing amount of information about trees for agroforestry around the world. /RRBL

The Forest, Farm and Community Tree Network (FACT Net) is an international network which promotes the use of multipurpose trees to improve the soil, protect the environment, and enhance the well-being of farm families and other land users. It was created in 1995 with the assimilation of the Nitrogen Fixing Tree Association (NFTA) in Winrock International. Today, the Network has more than 1000 participants, including development workers, tree breeders, researchers, students, farmers and community groups. Through extension, publications and research, FACT Net provides its members with the skills and resources needed to introduce, improve and manage multipurpose trees.

FACT Net staff give advice on project design, management, species selection and training. Short technical courses and workshops are organized, and a training curriculum for extension agents has been developed. The Network encourages research to identify tree species adapted to particular environments. The field experiences and research results of FACT Net participants are shared through its publications, which include research reports, proceedings and field manuals. The FACT Net Newsletter comes out three times a year, with news of forthcoming events, publications and projects. In addition, six FACT Sheets are produced every year in English, and some are available in Spanish, French, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese. These two page reference sheets provide information on new tree species for extension agents, community leaders, researchers and farmers.

© FACT Net Administrator, Winrock International, 38 Winrock Drive, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110-9370, USA; Tel. +1.501.7275435, Fax +1.501.7275417,
E-mail forestry@ winrock.org
Website http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factnet.htm

Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Network

In 1991, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) created the Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Network (APAN) with support from the Japanese government.

In the original Network, there were ten member countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. China, the eleventh member country, joined the Network in 1993. APAN’s focus was on developing and supporting national agroforestry networks and activities. In partnership with national institutions and international organizations, APAN sponsored information dissemination, agroforestry seminars, workshops and training courses at regional and national levels. It also assisted in the development of agroforestry curricula and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE).

In 1993, additional financial support came through UNDP, as part of the UNDP/FAO/UNIDO ‘Farmer-Centred Agricultural Resource Management’ (FARM) program, which contained an agroforestry component. With APAN support, colleagues in seven member countries established on-farm agroforestry demonstration plots.

Funds for APAN ran out in 1997, but FAO assigned an Associate Professional Officer to maintain APANews and support regional networking in agroforestry. There are ongoing efforts to seek collaboration and support for agroforestry networking activities with ICRAF and other international and national partners. For example, many of the active APAN partners in Vietnam now are key members of the Vietnam Agroforestry Capacity-Building (VACB) project, initiated in 1998 by ICRAF with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).

The Network facilities and equipment have been handed over to the APAN Indonesian National Secretariat, which houses the APAN library, promotes activities in Indonesia and maintains links with other APAN national networks. The newsletter APANews, produced twice a year, is now published by the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok. It serves to keep readers up to date with developments, news and events in the region.

© Dr. Taulana Sukandi, APAN National Coordinator, P.O. Box 165, Jalan Gunung Batu No. 5, Bogor 16001, West Java, Indonesia;
Tel. +62.251.323063, Fax +62.251.315222

For APANews, contact:
© Mr. Patrick B. Durst, Senior Forestry Officer for Asia and the Pacific, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Tel. +66.2.2817844,
Fax +66.2.2800445, E-mail patrick.durst@fao.org

© Mr. Steffen Weidner, Editor, APANews, Associate Professional Officer – Forestry, FAO Representation in Vietnam, P.O. Box 63, Hanoi, Vietnam;
Tel. +84.4.8257208, Fax +84.4.8259257
E-mail stewei@crosswinds.net

‘ Beside protecting areas of natural forests, Dayak farmers in Ngira also engage in planting two types of forests, i.e. tembawang and mixed rubber gardens.

Tembawang are most often the result of planting of fruit trees, but also species like ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), rattan, bamboo, illipe nut or meranti species. These are mostly planted on old swidden sites, but they may also be directly planted in natural forest. Such plantings eventually develop into mature forests which sometimes may have species diversity and a forest structure almost equal to mature natural forests.

De Jong, W. 1994. Spontaneous intensification of swidden agriculture. APANews 9:10-11.

 

‘Rapid increases in population over the past years have brought a lot of strain on global food resources. Today, we see the specter of hunger devastating most parts of the developing world.

Despite the much touted success of the Green Revolution of the past, it is still evident that the improvement of food supply continues to be an overriding concern of governments of third world nations. Such increases in population have also posed severe limitations on the raw materials needed to meet the other basic human needs such as shelter and clothing. Increasing productivity of forest and agricultural lands, improving food and forest products processing technologies, and increasing awareness on wasteful consumption habits, among others, continue to preoccupy scientists and government planners.

The Philippines also share in the recognition of the fact that one other approach that can help mitigate hunger and the seeming lack of other material resources is to increase the food and raw materials base. For instance, it has become clear that expanding the list of tree species that can be sources of food and raw materials can alleviate to a great extent the shortage of food and other basic needs. Tree domestication is perceived to be the main vehicle through which this desire can be realized.’

Carandang, W.M. and R.P. Furoc. 1999. Tree domestication for agroforestry: research and development agenda for the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. Pages 17-20 in Roshetko J.M. and D.O. Evans, editors, Domestication of Agroforestry Trees in Southeast Asia. Forest, Farm and Community Tree Research Reports. Taiwan, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute and Council of Agriculture; Morrilton, Winrock International; and Nairobi, International Centre for Research in Agroforestry.

HIDA/MYRADA Agroforestry Network

The HIDA/MYRADA Agroforestry Network, comprising 24 NGOs from the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, is a joint initiative of two NGOs, HOPE International Development Agency (HIDA) from Canada and MYRADA, which assists in the promotion of sustainable development and micro-credit initiatives in south India.

The Network’s members promote tree planting and land development activities for the rural poor. Their philosophy is that forestry programs are of little relevance to the rural poor if they do not improve income and thus lead to a higher degree of self-reliance, freedom from oppression and human dignity.

The Network provides training and advice to its members. Its newsletter, HARITA, is published four times a year. With articles in both English and Telugu, it reports experiences from the field, updates of projects, and news of forthcoming events.

© MYRADA, 2 Service Road, Domlur Layout, Bangalore - 560 071, India;
Tel. +91.80.5543166 or 5572028,
Fax +91.80.5569982,
E-mail info@myrada.org or hope@web.org,
Website http://www.myrada.org or http://web.idirect.com/~hope/

‘In 1988 two women, Gedula Rajulamma and Gedala Nagaraju, of Balijapalem village, approached Santhi Sadhan Rural Development Society (SSRDS) after the death of their husbands to ask for assistance for rehabilitation. The field staff of SSRDS with the assistance of the village Panchayat President approached the then Sub-Collector to request some reallocation of land for the women. Consequently, four acres of dry land were sanctioned for each woman.

SSRDS staff motivated these women to take-up agroforestry activities on this land to provide them with alternative income opportunities to help them through the lean period of the year.

The women were given the necessary training in agroforestry techniques and encouraged to plant fuelwood and fruit bearing trees on their land. They planted such species as Cashew, Tamarind, Casuarina, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Teak, Dalbergia sisso. Since the four acre plots were side by side, one bore well was dug and a hand pump installed to provide water resources for both plots. The women helped each other in planting, watering, weeding and protecting the plantations.

The efforts to revegetate this wasteland have gradually converted the land into a greenery along with production of vegetables from intercultivation activities. Moreover, these efforts have provided some level of self employment for Rajulamma and Nagaraju.

By March 1993, the plantations began to yield fruits, fodder and fuelwood. This produce has become an important source of income for these women and their children. It is expected that within the next four to five years, the plantations will yield enough for the women to become fully self-employed on this land.’

Sadhanan, S. 1993. Women doing agroforestry. HARITA 6:1.

Rede Brasileira Agroforestal

Jean Dubois sees the development of agroforestry as an important instrument in a long-term management policy for Amazonia. /RRBL

The Rede Brasileira Agroforestal (REBRAF, Brazilian Agroforestry Network) was created in 1989. The Network supports agroforestry community development initiatives in the Amazon and the Atlantic Rainforest biomes. Most of its field projects are implemented in partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organizations. REBRAF focuses on five interconnected activities related to agroforestry: (1) community development; (2) training; (3) documentation and publications; (4) role of women in Amazonian rural development; and (5) networking.

REBRAF provides technical assistance to local NGOs, farmers and forest dwellers’ associations. Among other practical materials on agroforestry, it has produced an agroforestry manual for the Amazon. REBRAF receives financial support from the European Community, Brazil, USA, France and Japan.

© Mr. Jean Dubois, Executive Secretary, REBRAF,
C.P. 70060, 22422-970 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
Tel. +55.21.5217896, Fax +55.21.5211593,
E-mail rebraf@antares.com.br

‘Agroforestry refers to ... productive systems in which trees are managed and used on the same land as agricultural crops or animals. It is an age-old practice. It has the potential to solve critical problems such as declining soil fertility, erosion, and scarcity of food and fuel. Agroforestry is appropriate for the rural poor because, with limited labor and external inputs, it allows production to be diversified on a more sustainable basis. Agroforestry can provide viable sources of livelihood and bring higher returns for the rural people. It can also contribute to a solution to the tragic cycle of tropical deforestation, nomadism and poverty.’

REBRAF. n.d.. Background Information. Unpublished manuscript. Rio de Janeiro, REBRAF.

Red Agroforestal Ecuatoriana

Red Agroforestal Ecuatoriana (Ecuadorian Agroforestry Network), founded in 1990, serves to link some 40 NGOs, governmental bodies, international projects and individuals working in the field of agroforestry and sustainable management of natural resources. The aims of the Network are to strengthen the capacity of its member institutions and to facilitate a closer relationship between them. In addition, it seeks to encourage better sharing of resources, information and experience.

The Network provides support for its member organizations in three ways: (1) training for managers, administrators and technical staff; (2) disseminating information on recent developments, experiences and results from the field; and (3) giving advice on agroforestry and management of natural resources.

© Juan Carlos Romero P., National Coordinator,
Red Agroforestal Ecuatoriana, Apartado Postal 17-21-568, Quito, Ecuador;
Tel./Fax +593.2.227977,
E-mail rafe@dfpafao.org.ec

Society of Agroforesters

Founded in 1993, the Society of Agroforesters is a non-governmental organization with headquarters in the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. The aim of the Society is to promote agroforestry and encourage the exchange of information, knowledge and expertise between those working in this field and with the wider public.

By organizing seminars and symposia and producing publications on agroforestry, the Society provides a discussion forum for its members. It produces the Agroforestry Newsletter twice a year, and is considering publishing a journal. The Society works to promote agroforestry techniques among farmers and practicing agroforesters by conducting demonstrations offering technical advice and supplying free seeds and plants to small and marginal farmers. At present its activities are confined mainly to India and Nepal, but it plans to expand to other parts of the world, with emphasis on developing countries.

© Dr. B.C. Saini, Secretary,
Society of Agroforesters, 11 Agroforestry Wing,
College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145, Distt. U.S Nagar (U.P.) India;
Tel. +91.5948.33701, Fax +91.5948.33473,
E-mail deanag@ernet.in

Agroforestry Research Networks for Africa

The AFRENAs are excellent at uniting the International Agricultural Research Centres, National Agricultural Research Systems of host countries, and associated NGOs and CBOs. The emphasis on on-farm research has helped to keep the experimental work relevant to farmers needs. /RRBL

AFRENA is the acronym for Agroforestry Research Networks for Africa. Established by ICRAF, the Networks have been formed on the basis of four agroecological zones, including Southern Africa (Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe), East and Central Africa highlands (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia), humid lowlands of West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana) and semi-arid lowlands of West Africa (Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal). The objectives of these Networks are to: (1) develop productive and sustainable agroforestry systems through an integrated resource management research approach; (2) strengthen regional capacity for agroforestry research through training and education programs; and (3) encourage the transfer and exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The Agroforestry Research Network for East and Central Africa (AFRENA-ECA) is working in the highlands of the region. Its research focuses on agricultural systems improvement and technology development. The goals of this network include: developing productive and environmentally sound agroforestry technologies for priority land use; testing and transferring these technologies through researcher-farmer interaction; supporting national and regional agroforestry research capacity through collaboration with other national agricultural research system (NARS) institutions; and the promotion of capacity building through a training, education and information program. Members of the Network publish their research results in two specialist publications, Agroforestry Systems and Agroforestry Today. The Network also holds periodic thematic workshops, and a conference every three years.

© AFRENA - East and Central Africa Highlands: Dr. Kwesi Atta-Krah, Coordinator AFRENA-ECA, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya;
Tel. +254.2.521450, Fax +254.2.521001,
E-mail k.atta-krah@cgiar.org

© AFRENA - Southern Africa: Dr. Freddie Kwesiga, SADC/ICRAF Agroforestry Project,
P.O. Box 134, Zomba, Malawi;
Tel. +265.534277, Fax +265.534283,
E-mail f.kwesiga@unima.wn.apc.org

© AFRENA - Humid Lowlands of West Africa:
Dr. Zacharie Tchoundjeu, IRA/ICRAF Collaborative Project, P.O. Box 2123, Yaounde, Cameroon; Tel. +237.237560, Fax +237.237440,
E-mail z.tchoundjeu@camnet.cm

© AFRENA - Semi-Arid Lowlands of West Africa: Dr. Edouard Bonkoungou, ICRAF c/o ICRISAT,
BP 320, Bamako, Mali;
Tel. +223.223375 or 227707, Fax +223.228683,
E-mail icrisat-w-mali@cgnet.com