The introduction of carbon finance as an incentive in forestry farming has a potential of increasing the amount of carbon sequestered. However, this has created a daunting task among investors in forestry to optimise the joint production of wood and carbon sequestration. For instance, investors might find it profitable to give up some timber returns in exchange for carbon credits. This study evaluated expected income from growing Cupressus lusitanica Mill., Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham., Eucalyptus saligna Sm. and Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endl. for wood and/or the carbon market in central Kenya. The global average unit price of carbon and stumpage royalty were used to estimate expected returns from sale of carbon credits and wood, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.01) in the expected amount of income from sale of carbon and wood among the four species. Specifically, at economic rotation of 30 years with stand density of 532 trees ha

In the SADC region both forests and water are highly valued resources and yet there is no clear strategy on how to manage them in an integrated manner. Conceptual clarity on the effect of forest cover on water yield and water quality is evident. However, the lingering question is still whether forests are major regulators, consumers or producers of water (Dudley and Stilton, 2003; Cal der et al, 2007).

Over 65% of the original wildlife habitat in Africa has been lost (Kiss, 1990) as a result of agricultural expansion, deforestation, and overgrazing, which have been fuelled by rapid human population growth and poverty. As a result, protected areas are becoming increasingly ecologically isolated while wildlife on adjacent lands is actively eliminated (Newmark and Hough, 2000). Invasive alien species pose additional dangers to biodiversity in protected areas in east and southern Africa.

In Africa, over 270 million people depend on forests, woodlands and savannas for all or part of their livelihoods. The collection, use and sale of timber and other forest products provide a vital source of livelihood capital for many poor households. But when these resources are over-exploited, it can become a driver of forest degradation and deforestation, contributing to global carbon emissions.

Non-wood forest products (NWFPs) play important roles in the daily lives and overall well being of rural and urban people in Africa. NWFPs are major sources for food, medicines, fodder, gums, fibre, and construction material. Many of them are important traded commodities at local, national, regional and international levels, providing employment and income at each level. Even with this potential, forest communities remain poor, raising concern whether NWFPs constitute a poverty trap, a safety net, or a potential but underutilised resource for rural development and poverty alleviation.

Public Forest Administration in Sub-Saharan AfricaOne of the case studies commissioned by the Sustainable Forest Management in Africa (SFM) project was on Public Forest Administrations and Related Institutions (PFAs).

Despite great advances in recent years, sustainable management of Africa’s vast and diverse natural forests is still proving to be extremely challenging. This factsheet outlines problems and progress made. It is aimed at those involved in the future of African forests, including those in non-forest sectors.