Combating Illegal Logging in Sub-Saharan Africa

Charcoal Burning and illegal firewood trade are key drivers of Illegal logging in Kenya and Sub-Sahara Africa. With an annual market value of US$ 427 million and employment of approximately 700,000 people, they have led to deforestation and desertification and consequently loss of carbon sinks, loss of biodiversity that is the basis of ecosystem health, soil erosion, water catchment areas, and wildlife conservation. It further aggravates climate change and global warming problems.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation commissioned a policy paper on Combating Charcoal Burning, Illegal Logging, and Firewood Trade in Kenya. The paper summarizes the efforts that have been taken so far to solve the problem, identifies reasons why the efforts failed, and gives policy recommenda-tions on what should be done. The paper also aims at contributing to the discussions and debates during COP Africa 2023 during the Africa Climate Summit, which will be held in Nairobi from Septem-ber 4th to 6th 2023.

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Britta Sophie Weck
… is an intercultural trainer and has worked with various institutions in the German education and government sector. Additionally, she advises professionals and executives as a communications trainer.

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Alphonce Shiundu
... is an award-winning writer, journalist and editor, currently the pioneer country editor of Africa Check, a fact-checking organization operating in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. He previously worked in Kenya’s mainstream media houses.

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Ranece Jovial Ndjeudja
... is a Jurist with years of experience working on forest and Natural resources management issues in the Congo Basin and Africa. He is currently working as Forest Campaign Manager in the Congo Basin with Greenpeace Africa.