Reversing Africa’s Deforestation for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Forests provide goods and services which are not only vital for the survival of the poorest in many African countries, but are also essential for the basic functioning of a wide range of development sectors in the continent. The success of many poverty reduction and economic growth strategies of these countries is thus inextricably linked to the sustainable provision of forest goods and services. This is being severely undermined by chronic and widespread deforestation in the continent. This continues to compromise efforts towards achieving the targets set in millennium development goals, as well as attaining sustainable development in the continent and at the global level. There is therefore an acute need to continue exploring and promoting policy options, measures and models to enhance success in combating deforestation in Africa. This paper explores the significance of deforestation in the continent and helps to advance knowledge and to offer policy and other recommendations to combat this menace in Africa. The paper seeks to contribute to and stimulate crosssectoral dialogue and actions to combat deforestation. In so doing it will serve to promote and mainstream sustainable forest management principles and measures within the broad agenda of poverty reduction and sustainable development in Africa.