Main Article Content
Forest Management for Non-Wood Forest Products and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
The contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) and services in livelihood support has been reviewed.
Quite a number of NWFPs are also important articles of commerce and contribute significantly to the economies
various African countries. The non-consumptive role of forests has been examined in terms of eco-tourism while
the social and economic viability of the production of NWFPs and services have been reviewed from subsistence
and commercial perspectives. Conditions that enable long-term viability in the management of forests for NWFPs
and services have been reviewed. Need for sound ecological data in relation to resource stock and yield were noted
as important in determining ecological sustainability. A number of institutional issues important to SFM were
noted, including setting up of strong producer organizations, enabling policies and legislative frameworks, and
relevant institutions within the government that provide supportive roles. Multiple use management was noted
an important concept towards sustainable forestry and clearly demonstrates how forests can be managed for both
wood and NWFPs. From an analysis of lessons learnt from the above, various recommendations were made.
Quite a number of NWFPs are also important articles of commerce and contribute significantly to the economies
various African countries. The non-consumptive role of forests has been examined in terms of eco-tourism while
the social and economic viability of the production of NWFPs and services have been reviewed from subsistence
and commercial perspectives. Conditions that enable long-term viability in the management of forests for NWFPs
and services have been reviewed. Need for sound ecological data in relation to resource stock and yield were noted
as important in determining ecological sustainability. A number of institutional issues important to SFM were
noted, including setting up of strong producer organizations, enabling policies and legislative frameworks, and
relevant institutions within the government that provide supportive roles. Multiple use management was noted
an important concept towards sustainable forestry and clearly demonstrates how forests can be managed for both
wood and NWFPs. From an analysis of lessons learnt from the above, various recommendations were made.
