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FORESTRY
RESEARCH
INSTITUTE OF MALAWI (FRIM)
SERVICES
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FRIM Services Programme
This FRIM programme continues to provide an increasingly important role
with respect
to working environment and management of FRIM resources, as well as
providing
the essential interface between research and technology transfer to
stakeholders.
Library services
Access to relevant and up to-date information is essential for
achievement
of a sound socio-economic development. FRIM Library is a focal point
for
forestry science information in Malawi. Its mandate is to provide up
to-date
and timely forestry information to forestry research scientists and the
public with interest in forestry and environmental sciences. FRIM
subscribes
to about 25 forest science journals and receives several regular free
publications.
There is no regular budget for the purchase of books, but largely
depends
on donations from various donor agencies. FRIM is a beneficiary of the
African-Caribbean Literature Service which facilitates access to
published
information for African and Caribbean research scientists. Through this
FRIM scientists are able to request for relevant articles from the
search
profiles generated by CTA.
Considerable investment has been made in library facilities and
training
in information retrieval. The following computerised databases are
available:
- CAB International TREE CD ROM database
- ICRAF's Multipurpose Tree and Shrub database
- CDS/ISIS database
These are frequently consulted by scientists, Forestry Department
staff, students and lecturers from the University of Malawi and the
public
interested in any forestry or environmental data. The CDS/ISIS database
currently holds more than 100 bibliographic records of FRIM. The
Library
is one of the input centres for the Agricultural Information
Systems/Current
Agricultural Research Information System (AGRIS/CARIS) database on
research
projects in grey literature form (unpublished) which is forwarded to
FAO
in Rome. Other databases are kept in the various sections at FRIM. For
example the National Seed Centre now keeps a SISTEM+ database for
business
management purposes.
Information documentation and
dissemination
Information documentation and distribution through extension and
technology
transfer plays a crucial role in promoting the application of research
recommendations generated by research institutions. At FRIM, this
programme
emphasises the need for a close interactive relationship between
research
scientists and end-users in research and dissemination processes of the
technologies. A variety of dissemination channels are used:
- FRIM Reports and Records,
- Newsletter,
- Leaflets,
- journal articles,
- field days and
- radio items.
List of FRIM Research Records appears in the National Gazette and FRIM
reports are bound into annual series to facilitate easy access.
National Tree Seed Centre
The National Tree Seed Centre (NTSC) is responsible for supplying
improved
tree seed of various species for all types of tree planting activities
in Malawi. Seed is collected from selected single trees, seed orchards
or seed stands. Modern equipment and facilities for seed handling,
storage
and testing in accordance with ISTA regulations are available. The
SISTEM+
database has been introduced and is an excellent tool for management of
the NTSC as a business entity. An annual seed catalogue is produced for
free distribution to customers. The NTSC conducts national and
international
courses in seed aspects as well as the management of the SYTEM+
database.
Laboratory services
Laboratory services provide an efficient level of service and support
for
the analytical requirements of all the research programmes at FRIM. In
addition, analytical services are provided to collaborating
institutions
and other patrons on a cost recoverable basis. The following major
services
are provided:
- soil and foliar analyses,
- biomass and density determinations,
- disease and pest identification,
- seed testing,
- phytosanitory services and
- issuing of plant collection permits (for research purposes only).
An insect museum is also available for examination of
specimens
as may be required.
Consultancy services
FRIM has enormous expertise and facilities to undertake consultancies
in
a wide range of aspects pertaining to natural resource management. The
Institute has particular strength in:
- community-based management of natural resources;
- common property resource management;
- collaborative forest management;
- rural development forestry;
- quantification and utilization of forest resources (including
non-timber
forest products);
- forest resource management (plantations and natural woodlands);
- land and site classification for forestry purposes,
- forest pest and disease management.
Both short term and long term consultancy assignments are undertaken at
competitive market rates.Contact The Deputy Director of Forestry
(Research) with address on the FRIM
page for more details.
Training opportunities
FRIM offers several short courses in all forestry aspects as may be
required
by clients. The courses have been a useful channel for disseminating
research
results and findings by other actors in forestry development. Short
courses
are offered in the following aspects:
- Collection, handling and storage of tree seed,
- Tree nursery management,
- Plantation and woodlot management,
- Management of indigenous woodlands,
- Social forestry.
The courses are offered at all levels up to the grassroots. Contact The Deputy Director of Forestry
(Research) with address on the FRIM
for more details.