Institutional responsibility for social forestry in Africa

Social forestry has failed in may countries in Africabecause the projects have been conceived, designed and implemented by agencies with a commercial forestry orientation. Social forestry must address the needs of farmers and be incorporated in the peasant farm system, using and expanding the existing institutions which service rural development The lack of appropriate technologies is a major constraint to the success of social forestry. Foresters should play a major role in developing appropriate species and technologies and in the management of indigenous woodlands. Existing agricultural extension agencies are better placed to implement social forestry programmes. An integrated approach to development and land use is essential to maximise growth and ensure the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Agriculturalists should consider trees, and other indigenous flora and fauna, essential components of the fanning systems they are developing.