The forest resources in the Eastern African countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania are disappearing fast and the quality of the forest left standing is gradually degrading. There is uncontrolled deforestation in every country. Wood biomass energy is becoming scarce and expensive and the safety net attributes of forest ecosystems for local livelihoods are being lost fast. Imported finished forest products are assuming an ever increasing and persistent occurrence on the local markets. This phenomenon exacts a considerable draw on the already scarce foreign exchange currency reserves. It also contributes to diminishing value addition activities in secondary and tertiary wood processing as well as loss of both artisan and industrial wood-based income and employment. Poor public forest plantation resource management has therefore constrained the attainment of sustainable forest management (SFM) in the sub-region. An in-depth study to characterise, and document information on the current status, challenges, opportunities and options for future management of forest plantations was commission-ned for each of the countries in the sub-region. This study is therefore part of the regional effort. The following outputs are expected from the studies: improved understanding of national and sub-regional demand and supply of forest plantation industrial round-wood; economic viability of managing forest plantations established; and better governance structures for managing forest plantations identified.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
African Forest Forum

Region
Africa

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
Planted forest

Primary Designated Function
All