Uncertainties and trends in the forest policy framework in Sierra Leone: an overview of forest sustainability challenges in the post-independence era

Abstract

Sierr a Leone is part of the Upper Guinean Forests with a climate that enhances great floral biodiversity. The exploitation of forest resources in Sierra Leone has seen a steady increase over the years while the establishment of forest plantations has witnessed a drastic decline. The relationship between forest exploitation and plantation forest decline is broadly assumed to be influenced by population growth, weak forest policies, legislatures, forest management and monitoring policies over the past century. The paper examines forests status and forest resources policy evolution since the pre-colonial era but pays particular attention to policies developed from 1988, in the post-colonial era, and the challenges facing their implementation. The paper highlights major challenges facing the healthy and sustainable growth of forest resources in Sierra Leone. The challenges range from the attachment of the Forestry Division to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS), the overlap in ministerial mandates about forest protection, corrupt government officials, poverty, illegal logging, inadequate funding and staff, natural disaster and outdated forestry instruments. Natural factors such as climate change, drought, and landslides are considered among the issues affecting the sustainable expansion of forest resources in Sierra Leone. A flowchart of forest sustainability challenges in Sierra Leone was designed, and classified forest challenges into natural and man-made causes. The inability of the Forestry Division to become an independent body and the continued reliance of the Division on the 1988 Forestry Act to make informed decisions in the 21st century is serving as a major barrier in sustaining forests resources in Sierra Leone. Improving forest management in the country requires the collective efforts of both national and international forests protections entities and organizations. Sound forests conservation policies and adequate funding and staffing can strengthen the Forestry Division in enforcing its constitutional mandates. Adopting the best practices models from countries such as China, India and the USA will help towards the goal of managing forest resources sustainably for current and future generations.