Creating Syngergy in Forest Research: HUAF-IDS Mutual Capacity Development in Forest Area

TBI Viet Nam is implementing a project in cooperation with Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) — a regional university in the north-central region of the country and one of its strategic partners — and the International Development Studies of Utrecht University (IDS/UU). The goal of the project is to enhance the capacity of staff and students in integrated, participatory socio-economic research and methodologies related to livelihood development and integrated natural resource management. The project links institutional strengthening, capacity building and socio-economic research. Socio-economics is a fairly new component of HUAF’s education modules.

The project, which is focused on the topic of forest land allocation, provides a joint learning environment for Dutch and Vietnamese staff and students. PhD research has already started on the topic of forest land allocation policy and poverty alleviation in central Viet Nam. Several MSc research topics have been defined around this PhD; approximately 20 students and staff members of IDS/UU and HUAF have conducted field research in Thua Thien-Hue province. Other disciplines have joined the research group: two lecturers from the Hue University College of Economics and five students from the university’s College of Foreign Languages.

In addition, an unofficial network has been established, with participation from a wide range of members, including international senior experts, researchers, lecturers and students from HUAF. Network members exchange knowledge, give feedback to each other and work closely together on topics of mutual interest. The network is also used to circulate information on scholarship opportunities, short courses and other relevant topics. As a result of the network, one HUAF lecturer successfully applied for a NUFFIC scholarship for his PhD study with IDS/UU.