african dendrochronology

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About the Training

Environmental challenges are adversely affecting Africa’s forest resources. The continent’s forest’s cover is estimated at 23% of total land area, offering a number of ecosystem services. Challenges affecting the forests also affect the services that these resources provide, subsequently affecting the continent’s economy and people’s livelihoods. Dendrochronology is one field of science that can help solve some of the environmental challenges. However, applications of Dendrochronology have been limited in Africa due to various reasons including limited number of experts to support the activities. Through the ‘African Dendrochronology fieldschool’, the training aims to impart basic scientific knowledge to participants on the techniques and application of tree-ring science to understand and solve various environmental problems affecting the forests. The training will focus on building skills in sample collection, preparation, and tree-ring measurements, cross dating, chronology building, and interpretation of results. At the end of the training, it is expected that trainees will be able to apply tree-ring science to construct climate trends, estimate forest’s productivity, and determine pollution patterns associated with various activities.

Target Audience

The training targets graduate students, scientists, researchers, and forest managers from around the globe. Master and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. Previous experience in the field or laboratory-based tree-ring techniques is not required.

Application opens: 20th February, 2023
Committee’s review and response to applications: On a rolling basis
Closing date of receiving participation fees: 30th June, 2023
Arrival date of participants: 23rd July, 2023
Departure date of participants: 3rd August, 2023

Benefits to be gained from the training

This is the third training on tree-ring science to be provided on the continent of Africa. It will provide a platform for researchers from around the globe to interact and create network. Participants will gain knowledge from experienced scientists from around the globe. The training will enable participants to explore new approaches to multi-disciplinary research. This training is research based and the output will be published which will be used as bases for proposals to funding agencies. The publications from this training can also be core parts of theses or dissertations for graduate students. The training will provide a hands-on learning environment, transferring skills that can immediately be used in individual projects after the training.