Deforestation in the Congo Basin remains low, but some countries are more exposed than others, particularly in West Africa. In a context of demographic tension, the loss of forests in some countries is mainly due to a growing population that develops family farming and relies mainly on firewood for cooking, all in the absence of land-use planning. Any proposed solution to forest loss must therefore focus on rural development, poverty reduction, sustainable management of natural forests, reforestation programmes and improved food security.
