‘Contribution of Forestry Research to Sustainable Development’: Proceedings of 5th KEFRI Scientific Conference, 17 – 19 April 2018 at KEFRI Headquarters Muguga. KEFRI, Kenya.

Abstract

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) is a state corporation mandated to: Conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources; Disseminate research findings; and Establish partnerships with relevant institutions and organizations. To fulfil this mandate, KEFRI undertakes various activities including holding of scientific conferences whose main aim is to share research results for evaluation or application by stakeholders. The 5th KEFRI Scientific Conference was held from 17th to 19th April 2018. The Conference was organized to bring together key actors in forestry research and development in Kenya and the region, to discuss recent advances in forestry research and technology in the face of: climate change; increased demand for forestry products and services; and increasing environmental degradation. The theme of the Conference was ‘Contribution of Forestry Research to Sustainable Development’ with six sub-themes namely: Forest Productivity and Improvement; Biodiversity and Environment Management; Socio-Economics, Policy and Governance; Forest Products Development; Information and Knowledge Management; and Partnerships, Networks and Resource Mobilization. Consistent with the sub-themes, the Conference in its deliberations also discussed advances in forestry research and technology in the context of the Government Big Four agenda namely: Food security, Manufacturing, Affordable housing and Universal health care. Proceedings of the Conference succinctly present technologies and information in forestry and allied natural resources that have been generated through research, and how they can be leveraged to deliver the Government Big Four agenda. Although the Conference Proceedings highlight major milestones that have been achieved in forestry research, it is clear that many challenges facing forestry development in the country require to be addressed, necessitating increased investment in forestry research in terms of human and capital endowments. KEFRI will however continue to work with all stakeholders including forestry managers, tree growers, wood processors, and farmers, to ensure that the technologies are widely adopted to impact on forestry development and the Government Big Four agenda, to enhance socio-economic transformative changes in the country. KEFRI is grateful to the Government of Kenya which provided the bulk of the resources used in organizing and holding the Conference, and producing the Proceedings. KEFRI also recognizes contribution of its Partners who continue to support the Institute with funds to undertake research whose results were presented in the Conference. I wish to also take this opportunity to appreciate the Conference Organizing Committee, keynote speakers, session chairs, rapporteurs, presenters of various papers, participants and all other persons who in one way or another contributed to the making the Conference a success.