The programme is organised as a research school and applies a “regional sandwich model”, in which all coursework and thesis write-up are undertaken at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) whereas field data collection is conducted in the candidates’ home countries.
This approach aims to strengthen the quality and raise the number of competent research scientists more rapidly while also enabling a regional perspective and linking scientists to international learning and collaboration.
REFOREST Africa PhD Programme was designed to create a critical mass of PhD graduates as well as a modus operandi where supervisors cooperate and learn from each other in international teams. Networking between PhD candidates and between supervisors facilitates sustained contacts across national, regional, international and disciplinary boundaries beyond graduation.
Forests and forest sciences exist in social and economic local contexts. REFOREST Africa PhD Programme includes a wide range of forest sciences. It integrate inter-disciplinarity in training, research and building on partnerships among several universities in Africa and Europe. Through the intense regional and international collaboration, PhD candidates as well as lecturers and supervisors acquire broad skills, experiences and perspectives.
REFOREST Programme is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
Our Vision and Mission
“Vision”
Forest science and innovations impacting and improving livelihoods and the environment in Africa.
“Mission”
To strengthen, elevate and expand forest science capacity in Eastern and Southern Africa for improved quality, relevance and reach of forest research.
“Our Objectives”
The overall objective is:
To enhance the quality, relevance and reach of forest research for transformation of livelihoods and environment in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Specific objectives are:
- To facilitate networking, partnership and knowledge sharing between South-South and North-South institutions;
- To strengthen capacity and quality of forest education, research training and researching in Eastern and Southern Africa;
- To jointly produce PhD level scientists capable of solving forest problems and advancing knowledge in a cost effective manner; and
- To promote knowledge management and ensure that innovations generated by REFOREST Programme do inform policy and practices in the region.
