The natural forests used to be the only source of commercial timber in tropical timber producing countries. In the past several years however, governments have begun implementing strict conservation policies, which have curtailed the harvest levels from this fast depleting resource base. To meet their respective wood requirements and at the same time revegetate denuded areas, most tropical countries have started to embark in tree plantation programs.

This regional study presents an overview of the socio-economic importance and ecological impact of the use of non-wood forest products (NWFP) in Africa. The document consists of two main parts: i) presentation of background information on the programme activities and analysis of the available information on the regional and sub-regional level (both in English and in French); and ii) presentation of data on NWFP on the national level (so-called “country profiles”, available in either English or French).

Conflicts over the appropriation, management and use of forest resources can pose significant constraints to sustainable forest management. Often, there are long-standing conflicts between governments, their agencies, the private sector and local communities, as well as among and within communities, over forest resources and their use and control.