Donate to support the ADF

Support Our Cause: Building Capacity and Empowering African Dendrochronologists

If you are interested in supporting the mission of the African Dendrochronological Fieldschool, we are accepting donations. The Fieldschool serves to fill a critical need for advancing dendrochronology, training African scientists and developing tree-ring networks in one of the most under-sampled regions in the world. Our training builds capacity and generates foundational knowledge about Africa's environmental history. 

The Copperbelt University has been running a training in tree-ring science and its applications since 2021 in collaboration with a number of organizations. The 2024 training will be offered in collaboration with researchers from Indiana State University, Brigham Young University, Radford University, Tall Timbers Research Station, the Jones Center at Ichauway, and Stockholm University.  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 reconstruct climate, estimate forest productivity, and determine pollution patterns associated with various activities. From 2021 to 2023, we trained 66 people from 15 countries. Gender distribution shows that we trained 21 females and 45 males. Our 3 years' experience of providing the training has shown that students and professionals are interested in tree-ring science, but most of them do not have money to support their participation. This is indicated by the high number of applications we receive every year, but only few of them manage to participate in the training due to lack of funds to buy air/bus tickets and pay the fees. Thus, a donation of any form towards this program will help to mitigate the high cost of running the training in Africa, to enable more participation of people from within the continent. 

Why Dendrochronology Matters:

Dendrochronology, the study of tree rings, is a crucial tool for understanding our environmental history. In Africa, this science has the potential to unveil valuable insights into climate change, ecological patterns, and sustainable land management. However, the lack of specialized education and resources has hindered the growth of African dendrochronologists. 

Our Vision: A Field School for Growth and Discovery:

We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where aspiring African dendrochronologists can receive hands-on training, access cutting-edge technology, and collaborate with experts in the field. The African Dendrochronological Fieldschool is a hub for knowledge exchange, fostering a community that is passionate about preserving Africa's environmental legacy.

How Your Donation Can Make a Difference:

• Training Future Experts: Your contribution will fund the education and training of aspiring dendrochronologists, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to transformational research.

• Investing in Cutting-Edge Techniques: We seek out facilitators and instructors who are leaders in the field, teaching cutting-edge techniques and breaking down barriers to accessibility. 

• Building a Sustainable Future: By supporting the Field School, you are investing in a sustainable future for Africa. Students leave with the skills to play a crucial role in contributing to dendrochronological research that shapes policies and practices that promote environmental conservation.

Your donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to realizing our vision. Together, we can empower African dendrochronologists to make meaningful contributions to our understanding of the environment.

Examples of how we will use your donation:

• General donation - the organizing committee will determine what our highest priority needs are and use your donation to meet those needs

• Specific donation - fund scholarships for African students to attend, sponsor purchasing of supplies such as increment borers

Spread the Word:

Even if you're unable to contribute financially, you can still make a difference! Share our cause on social media, and help us reach a wider audience. 

Thank you for being a part of our mission to unlock Africa's environmental history. and train students who represent the future of dendrochronology.