FARM-Africa

Community Forest Management
Africa's forests are at risk due to increased population and demands on natural resources. In Ethiopia only about 2 per cent of the original forest cover remains. Tanzanian forests are also fast depleting.

Deforestation has a serious impact on wildlife as it reduces water flow from the forests to land further downstream. It also affects millions of people living in poverty who rely on the forests as a major source of income.

Community Forest Management enables local people who depend on the forests in Ethiopia and Tanzania and other affected areas, to work with local authorities to develop sustainable management plans. This gives communities real responsibility for protecting their forests. In return, local communities are encouraged to use the forests’ resources in a sustainable way, making use of natural products such as wild coffee, spices, medicines and honey.

Once new enterprises are developed - such as honey production or mushroom farming - reliance on timber products is reduced, which puts the community in a strong position to protect the trees that remain.

Communities are working with local government officials to develop forest management plans. These are legal frameworks that help them manage and conserve forest resources; the plans also set out roles and responsibilities for both the communities and the government.

Company Ethos

FARM-Africa passionately believes in Africa’s farmers.  They have the potential to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued the continent for too long.

We know that the answer isn’t giving food - it’s growing it - so we’re helping farmers to increase their agricultural production. 

Our strong belief in hand-ups, not hand-outs, means we work with communities at grassroots level.  We help them to identify the problems limiting their agricultural production and then introduce them to tools and technologies that provide the most effective solutions.

Whatever the project and whoever the beneficiaries, sustainability lies at the heart of our work – whether that’s protecting forests for future generations or encouraging farmers to share their learning’s with others.

See us in action!

Visit our You Tube channel and see for yourself the difference we're making in eastern Africa. See how Mr Mergersa is sharing his new found forestry skills and knowledge with the rest of his community – helping them work together to protect the forest for future generations.

CONTACT DETAILS

FARM-Africa

Web: www.farmafrica.org.uk

Email:sst@farmafrica.org.uk

Telephone: 0207 430 0440