CIFOR is committed to strengthening the capabilities of governments, developing country scientists, civil society organisations and local communities by conducting collaborative research, and by providing high-quality, unbiased information. The ultimate aim is to help these various constituencies develop and promote their own solutions to the forestry problems they and their countries face.

Africa suffers from a serious lack of capacity when it comes to forestry research, and CIFOR has been involved in a number of projects designed to address this problem. In Ethiopia, for example, CIFOR scientists have been helping to build the capacity of researchers at Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources by introducing them to multidisciplinary action research. In the past, research at Wondo Genet focused almost entirely on silvicultural matters. Now, researchers are spending much more time exploring issues that matter to small farmers and forest communities. In 2007, CIFOR also began to provide technical support to revive forestry research capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During 2007, eight Junior Programme Officers (JPOs), funded by the Dutch, Finnish and Italian governments, were based at CIFOR. Their story is told on the next page. The benefits have flowed both ways. The JPOs have produced large amounts of research data and contributed to the scientific literature. At the same time, most say they have benefited considerably from their experiences with CIFOR. The Dutch Associate Expert programme has been running for over 50 years, and four-fifths of those involved have pursued long-term careers in development cooperation.

CIFOR scientists and administrative staff devoted considerable energy during 2007 to developing a new strategy, in response to the recommendations of the second External Programme and Management Review (EPMR). A lengthy review process, involving consultations within and outside CIFOR, helped to identify the research domains where the Centre will concentrate its activities over the coming years. The ultimate aim is to ensure that CIFOR continues to lead the field in conducting high-quality research on a range of forest-related issues.