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 Programme will create a critical mass of PhD students as well as a modus operandi where supervisors cooperate and learn from each other in international teams. Networking between PhD candidates and between supervisors will facilitate contacts across national, international and disciplinary boundaries that will live beyond graduation.

Forests and forest sciences exist in a social and economic local contexts. REFOREST 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 collaborations, PhD candidates as well as lecturers and supervisors will acquire broad skills, experiences and perspectives.

REFOREST Programme is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).

Vision
Forest science and innovations impacting and improving livelihoods and the environment in Africa

Mission
To strengthen, elevate and expand forest science capacity in Africa for improved quality, relevance and reach of forest research

The overall objective is to enhance the quality, relevance and reach of forest research for transformation of livelihoods and environment in Africa.

Specific objectives are:

• • 1. To produce PhD level African scientists capable of solving forest problems and advancing knowledge in a cost-effective manner;
    2. To strengthen capacity and quality of forest education and research in the region;
    3. To promote dissemination and application of knowledge and innovations generated by REFOREST Programme to inform policy and practice; and
    4. To facilitate networking, partnership and knowledge sharing among South-South and North-South institutions.