Managing the Miombo Woodlands of Southern Africa: Policies, Incentives and Options for the Rural Poor

This analytical report explores policies, incentives and options for the rural poor in the Miombo woodlands of southern Africa in the context of a changing climate, growing food insecurity and increasing demand for woodfuel and charcoal. It points to four areas for reform: embracing decentralization and devolution within policies and institutions; fostering markets for local products and services to encourage good management; switching the emphasis from regulation of use to delivery of services, to empower local people to become better woodland users and managers; and keeping in mind the cost of deforestation and degradation to rural populations.