Abstract:
Networking is currently considered by researchers and development actors as
an effective way of disseminating and sharing information and knowledge.
Networks focusing on research have also been considered strategic in pooling
research resources to enhance capacity of institutions with limited resources
(Odera and Pape Sail, 1994; ODI ,1999; Thornback and Brinkman, 1999). The
role of networks in pooling research resources and research capacity building
is particularly valuable in Africa, where investment in research by governments
has been decreasing to negligible levels. Indeed, it is documented that in terms
of level of investment, Africa is at the bottom line, investing only 0.29 % of
Gross National Product (Ng, 1994). Because of low level of investment,
research driven forestry development has suffered.
