Wood technology collaborative research consultancy

Project aims

To assess the needs of a range of wood users in southern India with a view to formulating appropriate research agendas

Countries

• India

Activities

• Survey of forestry records and forest product users in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
• Assessment of the constraints on users and the extent to which focused research would contribute to removing these
• Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of research identified and likelihood of uptake of research results
• Assessment of the capacity of Indian research institutions, including IWST and KFRI
• Assessments of the needs for training and improvement of laboratory facilities at research institutes
• Identification of an outline research programme with emphasis on more efficient use of wood, reduction of waste and reduction of costs
• Indication of any institutional strengthening required and the appropriateness of links with any UK institutions

Outputs

• A report on the pattern of forest product utilisation in southern India
• A final report detailing proposals suitable for DFID funding incorporating the findings from the above activities