How the rural communities can benefit from the Forestry Industry

Rural communities benefiting from the Forestry Industry is a key focus of the ongoing Forestry Industrialisation Conference in Johannesburg. At the conference, Forestry Expert, Professor Godwin Kowero, shared insights on how rural communities can benefit from the sector. In many countries, rural communities actively participate in forestry activities, a trend that is less prominent in South Africa. Professor Kowero emphasized the importance of empowering rural communities to engage in activities related to trees on farms, small plantations, and woodlots to uplift their livelihoods and preserve the environment. He highlighted the formation of community groups and associations, uniting to advocate for their interests at a national level or with other stakeholders. While these groups play a crucial role in representing community voices, Professor Kowero noted that they still lack strength and support. The African Forest Forum is dedicated to exploring ways to empower and strengthen these associations as they are poised to play a significant role in the future supply of industrial wood. With many private companies having exhausted their land, Professor Kowero underscored the potential for industrial wood production to expand on farms, highlighting the need to empower local communities and the private sector in forest management. Despite existing strategies and guidelines developed by various organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, to benefit rural communities in the forestry sector, implementation remains a challenge. Professor Kowero expressed concerns about the limited action taken by national governments to support rural communities. While governments are tasked with creating an enabling environment, they often fall short in providing the necessary resources, knowledge, skills, and financial support to rural communities. He stressed the need for governments to facilitate access to financial resources and build the capacity of rural communities through education and skills training to kickstart their involvement in the forestry industry.