This study profiles three promising models of commercial forestry that can contribute to modernization and rationalization of the wood energy sector in developing countries: (i) community-based forest management (CBFM) in Africa with case studies in Niger and Senegal; (ii) private woodlots in Africa with case studies in Madagascar and Rwanda; and (iii) forest replacement associations in Latin America with case studies in Brazil and Nicaragua.

All these three approaches are based on local control and all have a track record of more than 20 years from which to draw lessons. Market-led systems in which producers, transporters, and traders are commercially motivated, these three approaches all involve devolution of power to local people for wood production.