The importance of dry woodlands and forests in rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation in South Africa

Landscape diversity and associated coping strategies during food shortage periods: evidence from the Sudano-Sahelian region of Burkina Faso

“…As noted by Shackleton et al (2007), our study confirms that the use of tree and savannah products prevent the most vulnerable households from falling into deeper food insecurity by depleting their assets. In African dryland areas, similar findings have been observed and confirm the fact that the use of cash income from forest resources is important in overcoming food shortages in areas where food crops face greater risks of climate variability.…”

“…The importance of forest resources for rural livelihoods has increasingly been recognized during the last three decades (Djoudi et al 2015;Ndoye and Tieguhong 2004;Shackleton and Shackleton 2004;Shackleton et al 2007;Vedeld et al 2007;Wunder 2001). Forests are important for crops (Verchot et al 2007;Garrity et al 2010); they provide food, fuel, fodder and facilitate income generation.…”

Ethnobotanical Survey of Woody Plants in Shorobe and Xobe Villages, Northwest Region of Botswana

“…Indeed, NTFPs, particularly from savanna woodlands and dry forests, have been identified as important to rural livelihoods as alternative land use options as well as in fulfilling an important safety-net function (Paumgarten 2005). In their natural state, these plants provide spiritual and aesthetic values and ecological services, such as carbon sequestration and water regulation (Shackleton et al 2007), and, thus, make a significant contribution to local and national production and economic growth (Shackleton 1996).…”

Strengthening the resiliency of dryland forest-based livelihoods in Ethiopia and South Sudan: A review of literature on the interaction between dryland forests, livelihoods and forest governance

“…Ethiopia's postconflict experiences in renewing the contributions of dryland forests to livelihoods will be examined for the guidance they might give to analogous efforts in South Sudan, as it moves, however fitfully, from conflict to peace and stability. Regardless of the dominant livelihood strategy, access to forest resources, which are used for fuel, building materials, food, medicines and a variety of other purposes, is critical for the well-being of most households in dryland forests (Shackleton et al 2007). Trees provide critical ecological services (i.e.…”

“…enhanced soil fertility, improved rates of water infiltration and erosion reduction) (Sanchez et al 1997) and subsistence goods that enhance the ability of households to survive (Flintan et al 2013). Forest resources also provide a safety net or economic buffer during times of the year when other resources are scarce, or during years when crops fail or grazing resources are insufficient (Shackleton et al 2007). Additionally, many rural residents sell forest products in formal and informal markets to obtain cash income (Shackleton et al 2007;Flintan et al 2013).…”