Sub-Saharan Africa

Analysis of Drivers and Underlying Causes of Forest Cover Change in Various Forest Types of Kenya

BACKGROUND

This study presents findings on the nature and extent of major drivers and underlying causes of land cover change; mainly deforestation and forest degradation in various ecoregions of Kenya. In 2010, Kenya joined the global initiative spearheaded by the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Fund (FCPF)to reduce emissions of carbon from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+).

Open access copy available

Land Cover Dynamics in the Kirisia Forest Ecosystem, Samburu County, Kenya

background

Throughout Africa, forest ecosystems play a significant role in supporting local livelihoods. In Kenya specifically, these ecosystems contribute to economic development while also improving watershed dynamics. Yet, these ecosystems have experienced significant changes over the decades. This study aims to quantify these land changes in the Kirisia forest ecosystem from 1973 to 2015. 

Open access copy available

Restoring forest landscapes: Forest landscape restoration aims to re-establish ecological integrity and enhance human well-being in degraded forest landscapes

Background

Tropical forests are highly fragmented. 42% of forest – including secondary forest – exists in large tracts, with the majority of forest in fragmented patches near roads and settlements. Although the science and conservation communities largely approach forests for either conservation or production, this approach omits the vital role forests play in the livelihoods of millions of people who live in close proximity.

Open access copy available

Misreading the African Landscape: Society and Ecology in a Forest-Savanna Mosaic

  • The authors of this book investigate how societies interact with their forested environments through a social anthropological and ecological lense.
  • They challenge widely-accepted views related to the management of Africa's forest margins.

 

Available with subscription or purchase

Disappearing Forests in Malawi: Causes and Solutions

Background

Malawi has experienced rapid population growth coupled with soil erosion, land degradation, deforestation, hunger, and poverty. While it appears these trends are related, the author argues that the causes are more complex. 

Open access copy available

Ecological Study of Kirisia Forest Reserve

Background

In order to inform a 2009 Conservation Enterprise Development Program, a preliminary ecological survey was carried out at the Kirisia Forest Reserve in Samburu District, Kenya. The survey was in response to an aerial survey conducted by the Wilderness Foundation UK that examined potential drivers of forest destruction.

Open access copy available

Plan d'amenagement et de gestion de la foret galerie de Makera: 2009-2013 (Management plan for the Makera gallery forest: 2009-2013)

This report provides a biologic, economic, and sociologic context for the state of the Makera gallery forest in Rwanda.The authors provide plans for management, ongoing research, and community engagement with the forest.

Open access copy available

Integrating Livestock Production with Forest Management among Leroghi Forest Adjacent Pastoral Communities in Samburu County, Kenya

Background

The study examines a forest based livestock production system in Samburu Country, Kenya. It focuses on nomadic and semi-nomadi pastoralists whom rely on water, dry season fodder, and pastures for their livelihoods. 

Open access copy available

Malawi State of Environment and Outlook Report: Environment for Sustainable Economic Growth

Background

Although Malawi’s rich natural resources – forests, fertile soils, water resources, and fisheries – offer opportunity for sustainable development, mismanagement of these resources and poverty-related resource exploitation pose a risk for resource degradation. This periodic (2010) State of the Environment and Outlook report discusses trends, threats and opportunities in the environmental, health, demographic, industrial and agricultural sectors.

Open access copy available

Maintenance of Hydropower Potential in Rwanda Through Ecosystem Restoration: World Resources Report Case Study

Background

Rwanda’s rapidly expanding electricity production is highly reliant on hydropower. However, hydropower as a sole source presents risks during changing global and regional hydrological conditions.

Open access copy available
Subscribe to Sub-Saharan Africa