The ninth biennial issue of State of the World’s Forests, published at the outset of 2011, the International Year of Forests, considers the theme ‘Changing pathways, changing lives: forests as multiple pathways to sustainable development’. It takes a holistic view of the multiple ways in which forests support livelihoods.

What will be the impact on forests of future economic development, globalized trade and increases in the world's population? The 2009 edition of the biennial State of the World's Forests looks forward, with the theme "Society, forests and forestry: adapting for the future". Part 1 summarizes the outlook for forests and forestry in each region, based on FAO's periodic regional forest sector outlook studies. Past trends and projected demographic, economic, institutional and technological changes are examined to outline the scenario to 2030.

Land capital occupies a prominent place in production activities in Africa. In forestry companies, women workers of production excellence, do not enjoy the same rights as the male agent in terms of access to land. This article attempts to question the foundations of this societal injustice while highlighting the various shadows that overwhelm women's tenure security in the forest zone. The major goal is to study in the event of looking for sustainable, inclusive solutions.