SUA Takes Part in Training on Forest Resource Processing Technologies in Russia

Experts from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) have taken part in a specialised training programme on forest resource processing technologies, held from 27 September to 4 October 2026 in the city of Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Strengthening Tanzania–Russia cooperation

The training is part of the Professional Development Programme under the Russian-African Network University (RAFU), and forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Tanzania and Russia in various areas of development.

SUA shares 50 years of forestry education

The SUA delegation comprised Dr. Scolastica J. Ntalikwa, Mr. Mbonea J. Mweta and Mr. Gabriel W. Mangi. SUA presented a paper titled “Professional Forestry and Wood Science Education at Sokoine University of Agriculture: Achievements, Lessons Learned, SWOT Analysis”, which outlined the University’s 50-year history of forestry education and its Bachelor’s degree programme in Wood Technology and Value Addition, introduced in 2020.

Hands-on learning

The Tanzanian experts had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the application of forest product processing technologies, including:

• wood properties and quality;
• ecological tourism and eco-trail management;
• monitoring of forest growth using permanent sample plots;
• the management of data and forest resources in herbaria and greenhouses.

A national study tour

During the study tour, the Tanzanian delegation was led by Dr. Revocatus Mushumbusi, Director General of the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), and included experts from the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), TAFORI, SUA, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Expected impact

The training is expected to:

• increase productivity and efficiency across the entire forest product processing chain, including the timber recovery rate;
• raise the value of forest products and improve the value chain;
• reduce dependence on imported furniture and wood products;
• increase employment for young people and Government revenue;
• strengthen teaching, research and innovation in wood science and value addition.

Why it matters

The visit has been very important, as it will help strengthen relations between forestry institutions in Tanzania and their counterparts in Russia. For SUA, it is a rare and valuable opportunity for academics and researchers to learn and to strengthen their approaches to teaching, research and innovation in wood science, forest product value addition and agriculture.

Story courtesy of SUA Media.