African Forest Forum Highlights Dual Crisis of Fading Indigenous Forest Knowledge and Governance Gaps

New research commissioned by the African Forest Forum (AFF) has revealed that Africa’s forest-based food systems and environmental governance frameworks are under severe strain, threatening the livelihoods of millions. The studies, which focused on several nations including Benin, Ethiopia, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, and Madagascar, indicate that while forests remain a critical source of nutrition and income, their capacity to support rural populations is declining. This deterioration is driven by a combination of rapid deforestation, land conversion, and the steady erosion of indigenous knowledge that has traditionally protected these vital ecosystems.

In biodiversity hotspots across Benin, Ethiopia, and South Africa, the research identified over 100 edible plant species, including the bush mango and various wild fruits, that serve as essential safety nets for rural communities. However, the availability of these forest foods is shrinking due to environmental degradation and fragmented forest landscapes. A significant concern raised by the AFF is the fading of indigenous knowledge. Traditional practices such as sacred forestry and community-led harvesting regulations have historically ensured resource sustainability, but these are increasingly being lost or overlooked in modern conservation efforts. The decline is further exacerbated by climate stress and the physical aging of existing tree populations without adequate replacement.

Simultaneously, a second AFF study examining governance in Ethiopia, Cameroon, Kenya, and Madagascar found that while many African nations have established strong policy frameworks aligned with global climate and biodiversity goals, implementation remains fundamentally flawed. The report identifies "institutional silos" and a lack of coordination between government departments as primary barriers. These systemic failures, coupled with limited community participation and significant funding shortages, mean that national strategies on desertification and climate change often fail to translate into local action. This fragmentation leaves forests vulnerable despite the presence of high-level environmental commitments.

To address these interconnected challenges, the African Forest Forum is calling for a radical shift in how forest resources are managed across the continent. This includes the urgent integration of traditional indigenous practices with modern conservation strategies and the strengthening of community-based market systems for wild foods. By breaking down institutional barriers and empowering local communities to lead preservation efforts, African nations may yet secure their forest-based food systems and meet their long-term environmental targets. Without these interventions, the continent risks a permanent loss of both biological diversity and the cultural heritage necessary to sustain it.