Sub-Saharan Africa to miss tree cover target due to lack seeds, labs: experts
Embobut Forest in Kenya. Lack of reliable national seed banks and trained forest experts and labs are among the reasons why sub-Saharan Africa cannot meet its tree cover target, experts say. PHOTO | FILE | NMG
Lack of reliable national seed banks and trained forest experts and labs are among the reasons why sub-Saharan Africa cannot meet its tree cover target, experts say.
“Our capacity in Africa to supply tree seeds and seedlings, or germplasm for afforestation and reforestation activities to contain deforestation is greatly lacking,” said Godwin Kowero, the executive secretary of the African Forest Forum (AFF). “We also have a widespread lack of trained personnel and laboratory facilities in many countries to handle these issues. Little attention given to the genetic improvement of trees,”
