Many SADC countries (Southern African Development Community) have similar ecological conditions and vegetation types. Regional cooperation could be advantageous in such situations so that research is not duplicated. In the case of Lesotho, ecological conditions are different from other SADC countries and cooperation in joint regional research programmes would therefore not be very useful. There is however considerable scope for the exchange of information and for training in methods and ideas which can be applied in different situations. Many research networks operate on this basis, sharing information on approaches to problems, even if the species used may differ. It is hoped that a regional component of the SADC regional Forestry Research Action Plan will provide mechanisms for such networking to take place. Regional cooperation in the design of training programmes would also be advantageous as it could permit bringing in expertise for training on a regional level, which countries could not justify economically on an individual level. The SADC Forestry Sector Technical Coordinating Unit would be the most appropriate institution to carry out these activities.
Lesotho’s ecological conditions have more in common with certain countries on other continents than with other African countries. International cooperation with such countries is considered to be very important for development of forestry in Lesotho. In most cases, they are not donor countries and so cannot offer technical assistance. The exceptions are New Zealand and Australia, but their aid programmes are directed mainly at Asia and the Pacific. One solution to this problem would be for a multilateral donor such as FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) or UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to forge and fund these South-South links.
