Forestry research is needed in the development and management of the forest resources in developing countries. However, in most such countries it has failed to provide the information needed by stakeholders and respond to the problems of sustainable forest development. A case study from Nepal suggests that government's low priority for a forest research policy, lack of a vision for research, lack of funds, weak research planning and management, lack of a monitoring and evaluation system, and low motivation among professionals are the main constraints on forestry research. The current level of support to young researchers is inadequate for their professional development. The paper draws attention to these problems as a means of stimulating debate to alleviate this tragic situation.