Forest Resources Utilisation and Rural Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring e-Extension Model for Sustainable Forest Management

Abstract

Forest resources have played prominent roles in the livelihoods of rural dwellers, most especially, the rural poor. Most of the rural farm families in most of agrarian sub-Saharan Africa collect forest resources and utilise them in diverse ways, either for direct consumption or for economic survival. However, it is generally observed that while they engage in these activities, little or no attention is paid to the consequential environmental degradation. Modelling e-extension, that is, the application of ICT in agricultural extension management is explored as a great potential in effectively tackling the challenges associated with forest resources management and utilisation activities. It is against this backdrop that this chapter, using a desk research approach, explores an e-extension model for sustainable forest management conceived within a framework of challenges confronting forest management such as low-improved forest management information technologies, forest governance, legal and policy issues, forest resources users’ low income and poverty status, wildfire, climate change, urbanisation, and forest fragmentation, among others. This is to develop a Forest Management Information System (FMIS) encompassing forest management data generation, forest management data distribution, and forest management data utilisation. Subsequently, positively impacting on rural dwellers’ livelihoods through increased income, increased productivity and production, poverty alleviation, and enhanced standard of living.