Resource information
The note summarizes the findings of the
Africa Forest Strategy Paper, which responded to the
problems confronting forest resources in the Sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA), providing a comprehensive overview, and
analysis of the forest sector, and mapping a set of actions
for consideration by African countries. The diagnosis
highlights the nexus between rapid population growth,
environmental degradation, and poor agricultural
performance, which provides the basic context within which
deforestation, and forest degradation are taking place in
SSA. Fundamental challenges the region faces are the
prevention of wasteful deforestation by correcting
distortionary policies, and improving sustainable use;
resource base increases, by broadening vegetative
propagation, and tree planting; and, revival of the wood
industry to enhance competitiveness. However, these
challenges need to strike a balance between economic
development, and conservation aims, and key actions
encourage forest policy and legislative reform, strengthened
by capacity building and human resources development,
supported by local communities and the private sector
involvement, towards improving forest-related knowledge, and
technology. Areas identified for a new Bank lending strategy
include the promotion of policy reforms, support investments
in critical areas, as well as capacity building, and, an
improved donor coordination.
