Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Products Industry Development in Ethiopia

HIGHLIGHTS Development and innovation in the sustainable forest products industry enhances socio-economic growth and the optimization of environmental objectives. Land and forest resources are the major basic productive factors for primary and secondary forest products manufacturing. Productive factors determine the development and competitiveness of forest products. Collective actions and inclusiveness are important in large-scale tree planting programmes for accelerated impact. A sustainable landscape approach is an effective tool for sustainable forest management and innovative forest products industry development. SUMMARY The objective of this study was to examine existing knowledge on forest products development and to promote sustainable forest management in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the paper aimed to assess the development and status of Ethiopia's forest products industry in terms of resource base, manufacturing and marketing. It was found that the current annual fuelwood consumption is about 133M m3, with 90% of cooking energy obtained from woody biomass. Wood consumption for primary and secondary forest products manufacturing is expected to increase from the current 112M m3 to 158M m3 by 2033. This review reveals that the development and innovation of a sustainable forest products industry in Ethiopia should balance the production and ecological functions of forest resources. To meet Ethiopia's primary and secondary forest products needs, it is recommended that a clear policy framework be advanced and promoted, including wood technology, forest science and education, silviculture, and post-plantation management practices.