Since its inception, FAO has played an active role in forestry education and training. In 1956, a permanent group of experts in this field was established as a statutory body of the Organization, which from 1964 to 1997 was replaced by the FAO Advisory Committee on Forestry Education (ACFE). This Committee played an important role in the creation and strengthening of forestry education and training institutions in developing countries, and in fostering international cooperation in this field. Unfortunately, the Committee was abolished in 1997.
The Rabat expert consultation on forestry education (FAO, 2001) provided useful guidance in shaping the activities of FAO and member countries towards improving forestry education programmes and equipping foresters with the knowledge, abilities and attitudes necessary to ensure sustainable management of the world’s forests for present and future generations. The consultation recognized the importance of regional networks of forestry education institutions and FAO decided to work together more closely with the existing networks. In this context, FAO invited the African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE) and the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE) to design and implement a survey on forestry education in Africa south of the Sahara and in Southeast Asia.
This document describes the trends in forestry education and training in Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia over the ten-year period from 1993 to 2002. The final chapters are dedicated to the lessons learned, recommendations and conclusions.
FAO is hoping that cooperation with regional and subregional networks will enhance the much needed exchanges of information and perspectives, and the discussion on global issues related to forestry education.
Eva Müller
Chief
Forestry Policy and Institutions Service
Forestry Department
