Maximizing the Role of African Forest for Climate Change Mitigation and Socioeconomic Development

Forestry has a significant role to play in green economy transformation process of African Continent. It is important to provide strong rationale that will link the forest to economic development. This paper therefore provides useful information on the potential of forest resources for socio-economic improvement with emphasize on the status of African forest. The paper reviewed the role of forest in climate change mitigation and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals as well as the role of forest in attaining industrialization. It was revealed that Central Africa has highest forest area with North Africa having lowest forest area. However, in terms of planted forest North Africa has highest area while Central Africa has lowest area. More so through sustainable management of forest some SDGs can be achieved. Forest is found to be useful approach in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. The strategies that can be adopted to improve the status of African forest include sustainable management of forest resources, afforestation and improved agroforestry practices. The paper recommends policy strategy that will re-position forestry subsector in order to achieve its primary roles in the climate change mitigation, economy and promote agroforestry to increase forest cover.