Research trends and the forestry research database for Nepal

The Nepal Forestry Research Division's database summarizes forestry research in progress or which has been completed. It contains >1000 records of research being carried out by 44 agencies. Collection of information, structure of database records (which are adapted from Forestry Abstracts and Forest Products Abstracts of CAB International) and use of the database are described. Research policy and trends are discussed, and lists given of executing agencies, types of study, and number of research trials in different districts. Appendices give the subject codes used for classification, 8 pp. of references to reports and publications included in the database, and a list of tree species included. Research continues to be dominated by aspects of traditional silviculture, although there has been an increase in topics related to community forestry. Most is at <1000 m altitude in the Central Region. The Master Plan for the Forest Sector includes a number of topics not yet being adequately researched.