Agroforestry - the branches of knowledge
ANAFE - the African Network for Agroforestry Education was set up in 1993 in a collaborative effort between ICRAF and partner organizations. Its aim is to strengthen the teaching of multi-disciplinary approaches to land management in agriculture, forestry and animal science. The network's success has been demonstrated by its rapid expansion to include over 97 universities and colleges throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The ANAFE institutions are all working together to improve their ability to deliver courses in a more effective and integrated manner.
The University of Zimbabwe is one of several universities that have
recently introduced an integrated undergraduate agroforestry course,
having realised that there is much to be gained through departmental
collaboration. Previous lack of co-ordination
between
different departments teaching aspects of agroforestry was expensive
in terms of resources, under-utilized staff expertise and risked
duplication. The results of several departments working together with
the support of ANAFE have shown that a much more interesting and
effective agriculture curricula can be devised.
The Network, which is supported by SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation) and managed by ICRAF, also provides training (upon request) for staff from educational institutions, international organisations and NGOs who are willing to pay to obtain the expertise they require. According to ICRAF, this demonstrates the value and demand for further training and, as the demand increases, ANAFE will continue to build stronger links between people in education, extension and research by bringing them together in training seminars, workshops and courses.
"Agroforestry Education News", the ANAFE newsletter, is published twice a year and is available from ICRAF on request. This dual English/French publication keeps institutions and individuals informed about the latest news in agroforestry education, publications and workshops. By providing extensive support for training and information, ANAFE seeks to promote changes in thinking and attitude about agricultural land use throughout Africa. More importantly, ANAFE hopes that these changes will gradually bring about more useful advice for Africa's small-scale farmers.
