Background
Forest management requires the execution of silvicultural practices in a forest while at the same time taking into account economic, social, ecological and cultural aspects. For this to happen, a plan is a prerequisite. This therefore makes planning an important component of sustainable forest management (SFM); for example, such plans help the resource owners to identify what can be done to enhance and protect the values of forests, maximize on existing and emerging investment opportunities for optimal returns and supply of essential ecosystem services. The planning process has to be inclusive; for example, to allow various stakeholders to participate in the development of the plans and also in forest management. In this regard the plans should clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders. Also, in the context of inclusivity, gender consideration in planning and in forest management is critical because men and women play different but complimentary roles in forest management, harvesting and use of forest resources. Excluding women, for example, will deny the planning process as well as forest management considerable skills and knowledge possessed by this group.
Good forest plans can only be developed when reliable, timely and adequate information is available to guide the planning process. Such plans can then facilitate proper management of forests when supporting resources are available, thus making it possible to achieve socio-economic and environmental policies and objectives.
However, scientific literature and other writings paint of a picture that the continent lacks this type of information for planning its forest activities, in addition to other constraints associated with managing the forests sustainably. Information on assessment of Africa’s forests, stand dynamics, and capacity to meet increasing demands of growing populations on a sustainable basis is largely lacking. As forests continue to play increasingly critical roles to the welfare of people and survival of animals and plants, as well as to the protection of the environment, the development of good plans to guide sustainable supply of ecosystem goods and services is inevitable. However, some African forests lack good management plans to guide their development, exploitation as well as their conservation. The implication is that different types of forests in African countries are not managed sustainably. It is within this context that AFF is undertaking an assessment of the forest planning process and forest management because these are key in facilitating ways to increase the supply of ecosystem goods and services originating from the various forest types in Africa.
Rationale
For its plan of work for 2019-2020, AFF plans to undertake two studies aiming at assessing the adequacy of forest planning and forest management in different forest types. For this, AFF is recruiting two experts to undertake the studies, one each in Anglophone and francophone Africa.
Purpose of the Work
To evaluate ways for improving forest planning and forest management in selected countries in Anglophone and francophone Africa with the aim to enhance the supply of forest ecosystem goods and services.
Specific tasks
-Evaluate the planning processes found in forest types in the selected countries,
-Evaluate the adequacy of the plans (annual, short, long term, tree and stand level, etc.), in terms of:
- accuracy/reliability and adequacy of information used,
- tools /techniques/models used for planning and for moving the forest to a desired future structure
- adequacy of knowledge and skills for their development
- sensitivity to gender considerations
- inclusiveness of related sectors
- constraints in planning and ways to contain them;
-Evaluate the extent of compliance to plans by implementing institutions, constraints experienced and how to overcome them;
-Evaluate the state of management of the forest types in the selected countries, including constraints experienced and measures to improve various operations that characterise forest management; and
-Based on the study results, develop training module or guidelines that can support capacity building in forest planning and forest management.
Expected deliverables
-Two reports of about 20-30 pages each on:
- Forest planning
- Forest management
-Training module or guidelines for capacity building in forest planning and forest management
Minimum qualifications and skills
- Have at least a master’s degree in forestry or natural resource management, with experience in forest planning and forest management; a PhD will be an added advantage;
- Have demonstrated experience in forest planning and forest management;
- Have written at least a book chapter, and or published peer reviewed journal papers; and
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English or French.
Duration of assignment
The tasks in this ToR are for two person‐months, commencing on 06 December 2019 and spread over a period of three months. The experts shall work from their locations but be in close consultation with relevant staff at the AFF Secretariat while keeping to agreed delivery schedule.
How to apply
Please email, quoting the title and number of this consultancy on the subject line, and attach a proposal containing:
- Cover letter stating how you meet the above qualifications and experience requirements;
- Key results areas, corresponding activities and methodology for executing them;
- A data matrix listing information needs plotted against data sources;
- A draft work plan (clear deliverables plotted against work-weeks for each key result);
- A tentative table of contents with corresponding number of pages; and
- An updated CV.
Please apply, and send your application with the subject line: “Consultancy no 01-131 Experts on forest planning and management for different forest types in Africa” to d.mutta@cgiar.org; h.bouda@cgiar.org, and m.vana@cgiar.org with a copy to exec.sec@afforum.org
To download the Terms of Reference, click here.
Application deadline is 29 November 2019. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Source: African Forest Forum
