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Forest
Products Research
BACKGROUND
Forests are a valuable resource
for supporting the different eco-systems and improving
human welfare. Forests supply an array of vital goods
and services. Forests products include all wood and
non-wood products obtained from forests and trees. Forests
products are used in every household, office, leisure
and industry; and play an important role in the socio-economic
development of the country. Forest products contribute
over 10% to the nations GDP.
Objectives
The Forest Products Research's main aim
is to develop strategies for sustainable production
and utilization of forest products. The following objectives
have been adopted in order to achieve this aim.
- Generate technologies for efficient,
economic and environmentally friendly harvesting processing
and utilization of the forest resource.
- Increase the diversity and improve
the quality of forest products including fuel wood,
processed wood and non-wood products.
- Improve seasoning (drying) and chemical
preservation processes for wood used in furniture,
construction and other purposes.
- Design efficient systems for using
wood fuels.
Research
activities
Harvesting
and Sawmilling
Harvesting and sawmilling studies aim at increasing
the amount of timber recovered from the trees harvested.
Harvesting and sawmilling studies have been conducted
in plantations situated in Luwero, at Katugo plantation;
in Kabarole at Oruha, Kyehara, Kagorra, Kikumiro and
Mwenge plantations; Iganda at Namafuma plantation; Kabale
at Muko, Mafuga and Kirima plantations, and, Masindi
at Nyabyeya plantation. The "On farm" research approach
was used where the Forest Products staff worked along
side sawmillers with concessions in these plantations.
A study on hand sawing (pitsawing) with pitsawyers in
Budongo and Zirmiti has been conduct.
Wood Properties
The Forest Products Programme in collaboration
with Sokoine University of Agricultural Sciences, Morogoro,
Tanzania is currently undertaking a study on wood properties
for selected pine species. The wood properties study
aims at verifying the physical and mechanical properties
of pine species grown at Katugo, (Nakasongola District)
in order to recommend specific end-users.
In addition, "graveyard" tests for selected
pine species have been established at Nakawa, Forest
Department Headquarters, Kifu, Forest Research Institute
Headquarters and Katugo plantation in Luwero District.
"Graveyard" tests are designed to establish the durability
of preserved and non-preserved wood for outdoor use.
Studies on "lesser known" indigenous
species have been initiated. Samples of six species
were collected and will be tested at Sokoine University.
Species that have under gone species and provenance
trials (see Forest Management Brochures) will also be
tested.
Seasoning
and Preservation
Seasoning (drying) and preservation studies
are being conducted at Nakawa, Forest Department Headquarters.
Seasoning studies involve monitoring the moisture content
of timber while drying in order to establish drying
period for different methods and species.
Preservation studies are aimed at evaluating
the permeability of timber using various chemicals and
methods of application. Current focus is on seasoning
and preservation can be obtained
Future
Plans
During the next research phase, the Forest
Products Programme plans to:
- Conduct kiln seasoning for pine timber;
- Continue assessment of graveyard
tests for pine species;
- Study the cost benefit analysis of
preservation using different methods;
- Study physical and mechanical properties
of species that have under gone species and provenance
trials;
- Study the charcoal production process
with the aim of improving recovery;
- Field test improved wood-burning
stove disseminated in different parts of the country;
- Examine options for producing wood
tar from pine waste;
- Make an inventory of commonly used
non-wood products in collaboration with other institutions;
- Examine options for producing wood
tar from pine waste;
- Make an inventory of commonly used
non-wood products in collaboration with other institutions;
- Examine options for wood gas production
and use in the sawmilling industry; and
- Disseminate research results.
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