SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN E. AFRICAFOR IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE.

Forest ecosystems play a pivotal role in socio-economic development and ecological stability. Critical role played by forests ecosystem cannot be over-emphasized noting the current commitment by UN Member States under COP 21 of 2015 on climate change adaptation and mitigation. Forests provide a pool of genetic resources, timber, fruits, medicine, fodder, regulating services such as flood and climate regulation; cultural services, aesthetic, recreational values; and supporting services including primary production, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, soil formation and biodiversity conservation. They are critical in provision of renewable energy that majority of African households still depend on. Trees are important in integrated soil, water and biodiversity conservation and in mitigating climate change and variability. Forestry and agroforestry management principles are inherently geared towards harnessing the benefits of natural resources and biodiversity for livelihoods and sustainable productive environment. The study presents results of the existing challenges and opportunities facing forests ecosystem management, agricultural production and biodiversity conservation owing to human pressure on land-use and natural resources in E. Africa. It is concentrated on the analysis of three major pathways for sustainable forests ecosystem: (i) reducing pressure on natural forests; (ii) providing habitat for native plant and animal species; and (iii) forests and agroforestry systems for integrated land use management and fragmented landscapes. The review proposes a paradigm shift to accelerate the current low investment in these resources while promoting strategies that facilitate the mainstreaming of forestry and agroforestry management, including biodiversity conservation in the sub-region?s development agenda. It identified the following action plans to be fast-tracked in the sub-region: Design, develop and disseminate improved technologies and innovations, management plans for sustainable and equitable management of forests and agroforestry resources; Enhance productivity and conservation of agro-ecosystems using trees and agroforestry practices /technologies for socio-economic benefits and environmental services; Facilitate the development of policy options and institutional innovations for enhanced investment in forestry and agroforestry and allied natural resources based enterprises; Strengthen the capacity and governance framework for effective and sustainable management of forestry and agroforestry resources; and Promote awareness and access to knowledge and information for improved and adaptive management and innovations, including utilization.