Tenure and Management of Tree Resources in Eastern and Southern Africa: Problems, Evidence, and Policy Implications

Abstract

"Trees are essential throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Products include fuelwood, fruits, poles, timber, and medicines. Wood provides over 80% of cooking energy in nearly all countries of eastern and southern Africa. Trees can be key components of rich, biodiverse ecosystems, providing vital environmental services such as nitrogen fixing, watershed protection, soil erosion control, and carbon sequestration. These different products and services generate diverse stakeholders in agroforestry and forest systems, including private farmers, communities, nations, and the global community."