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FAO urges policy-makers to strengthen forest producer organizations
… Benefits for smallholders include poverty reduction,
… livelihood improvement and sustainable income
ROME – Strengthening forest producer organizations should contribute significantly to reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and enhancing economic development of smallholder forest owners and farmers, FAO said today at the International Conference on Forest Producer Organizations, taking place in Guilin, China, 25-28 November 2013.
Being part of a producer organization can give individual forest producers better access to markets, a stronger bargaining position, essential market information, a voice in policy development and help them to improve their entrepreneurial skills.
Largely under-estimated
Hundreds of millions of people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Despite these benefits, forest producer organizations, which are engaged in production of timber, non-wood products, handicrafts and medicinal plants, are not yet as common or well-recognized as similar groups in agriculture.
“Forest producer organizations have been largely under-resourced and under-appreciated,” said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry, “Well-organized groups enable their members to have more bargaining power and get access to loans. Larger groups can lobby their members’ interests and influence policies. In addition, through producer forest organizations smallholders can also strengthen the sustainable management of forests. Policy-makers should be more aware of these benefits and should support the creation of such organizations”.
Farms are linked to forests
Farmers, especially indigenous peoples, smallholders, women and family farmers, also benefit from managing forests as it enables them to diversify their income sources and offset the potential risks of relying solely on crops.
“Due to increased risks posed by climate change farmers will gain from support for diversifying their livelihood activities,” said Jeffrey Campbell, Manager of the Forest and Farm Facility, a partnership between FAO, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “Whereas severe droughts may destroy crops, some types of forests are more resilient to droughts and can better withstand them, contributing to food security and producing a range of other important products,” he added.
Secure forest tenure
When local people are given clear, fair and transparent rights to manage forests and to obtain economic benefits from them, they are more likely to make the long-term investments that forestry requires. In addition, where they are confident that rights are safeguarded, local people can maintain and increase their traditional efforts to preserve forests.
Women should have equal rights as producers, beneficiaries and decision-makers, stressed FAO. Where this is not the case, forest producer organizations can have an important role in lobbying for change.
Strength in numbers – stories of success
In a new report launched at the Conference FAO presents a range of successful examples of forest producer organizations.
In China, a bamboo cooperative buys bamboo shoots, fruit and vegetables and mushrooms from members to process, store, transport and sell them and has created a brand. Through the cooperative, members have better access to loans.
In Guatemala, groups of tree planters have cut out the middlemen who until recently took most of their profit. They now deal directly with large companies and receive more income from their sales.
Links to manufactures have also been established by Namibia’s marula tree producers groups. Marula fruits contain nutritious, oil-rich kernel used in cooking and production of skin-care products. Most rural Namibian women’s livelihoods depend substantially on harvesting and processing such indigenous products. Now they can supply several large cosmetics manufacturers, and government support is increasing the domestic market of marula oil.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban
Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: Senegal Stuns Hosts Morocco To Lift AFCON 2025 Trophy
“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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