Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDSEA)

Project Code: 167-502-005 167-015-016	Start Date: 01-05-91	End Date: 20/11/1996
Commitment: £3,764,800	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The proposal accords with the policies and resources of the forestry sector masterplan and coincides with the term of the draft eighth national plan. The team leader is assisting the department with its national plan drafting to ensure project compatibility.

The master plan took cognisance of the 1985 programme to fulfull basic needs and of complementary policies in agriculture; of ecological and environmental issues, land reform proposals, water and fuel requirements, industrial needs, education and the role of women. The MPFS also declares that "all forests in the hill tracts of Nepal would be handed over to user groups to the extent that they are willing to take management responsibility for these".

An effective "Council of Forestry Sector Research and Development" is vital for research co-ordination. The FRD has been nominated as the agency to carry out research for the Hill and Terai Community forestry projects. FRP co-operates well with the various national and international agencies in Nepal, including projects partly fnanced by the EC, UNDP, IBRD and ABB.

Nepal is a priority country for DFID's initiatives in forestry and the environment. The FRP's focus on research and information interlocks well with DFID's existing and prospective support to community forestry in the Koshi Hills and Western Region and with farming systems work at Lumle and Pakhribas Agricultural Centres.

Project Objectives:
To strengthen the Forest Research and Survey Centre of the Forest Research Division and enable it to manage client-focussed quality research.

To establish a self reliant and capable forest research organisation, which can thus contribute to the goal of increased productivity and sustainability of the Nepali forest to meet basic human needs and contribute to soil, water and gene conservation.

Intended Outputs:
Research results: 85% of research activities complete, analysed and published. Utiltity of results.

Trained staff: 10 ranger certificates, 3 degrees; 16 KScs; 3 Phils; 40 mm in-service training; 20 overseas secondments; 20 study tours and seminars.

Regional research centres established: centre at Netanda constructed. All five centres fully staffed and operating.

Expanded research activity: new lines of research established viz: community forestry, minor forest products, utilisation, protection of forests, eco-systems and conservation studies.