LocationsHow Kenya Can Grow a Greener Economy
Forest Lessons from Sweden
October 10, 2024
By Yvonne Nyokabi
Nestled in the misty central highlands of Kenya, Nyeri County is a gem in more ways than one. With an impressive 46% of its total land area under forest cover, it stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. This is also the birthplace of the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, renowned for her tireless fight for the sustainable management of forest resources.
But Nyeri’s beauty hides a tumultuous past. In the 1970s and 1980s, rampant deforestation wreaked havoc on Kenya’s rivers and land. Fast forward to 2024, and while strides have been made towards sustainability, the country is still striving to meet its ambitious goal of 30% forest cover by 2032. Kenya’s constitution already set the bar at 10%, but the dream is now much bigger – transforming forests into key drivers of a sustainable economy.
Recently, a learning visit to Sweden opened my eyes on what’s possible. This Nordic nation, once facing deforestation challenges much like ours, has turned its forests into a national treasure. With 70% of its landmass covered in forests, its wood industry fuels the economy, while also being deeply woven into its cultural identity. The key takeaways from this visit offer powerful insights for Kenya's efforts to scale its forest cover and establish a robust green economy. Four important lessons stand out: investing in human capital, enabling policies for private sector investments, fostering a strong relationship between research and industry, and organizing a robust private sector.
1. Investment in Human Capital
Sweden’s journey to a thriving wood industry began with a solid investment in human capital. Skilled forestry professionals, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs form the backbone of Sweden’s forestry sector. Training and education in sustainable forestry practices are key to Sweden’s success, with upper secondary vocational school, universities and technical institutes actively involved in preparing future foresters. We for instance visited the Ryssby Gymnasium that is immersing high school students in practical training such as use of advanced tools and machine operation allowing them to gain practical experience form early on. The ability of Sweden to continuously innovate within its wood industry relies heavily on the expertise of its people.
For Kenya, the message is clear: if we’re to build a thriving forest economy, investing in human capital is crucial. Training and education must be at the core of our strategy, from grassroots communities to higher education institutions. Imagine schools across Kenya teaching young students about forestry, equipping them with practical skills, and inspiring them to become stewards of our forests. This kind of human capital investment can create jobs but also foster environmental stewardship and perhaps even position Kenya as a global leader in sustainable forestry.
2. Enabling Policies for Private Sector Investments
One of Sweden’s secret is its forward-thinking policies that encourage private sector investment. Remarkably, 52% of Sweden forests are privately owned, and these owners, whether individuals or companies, have transformed forests into a profitable and sustainable venture. The Swedish government has implemented policies such as the "cut one, plant two" rule, which ensures the sustainable replenishment of trees and helps preserve biodiversity. Such policies have enabled private companies to invest in large-scale forestry, turning it into a profitable venture while ensuring sustainability.
In Kenya, we have not yet fully capitalized on our private sector’s potential in commercial forestry. The few plantations that exist are underdeveloped, and the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) remain largely underutilized. To unlock the potential of Kenya's forestry sector, we must create a policy environment that incentivizes private sector investments in sustainable forestry. Imagine large-scale forestry projects blooming in areas once thought barren, transforming them into hubs of economic activity. These policies could also encourage responsible logging, reforestation, and the use of land that is otherwise unsuitable for agriculture, while also offering financial incentives or subsidies for private companies that invest in forestry projects.
3. Strong Relationship Between Research and Industry
In Sweden, a close partnership between research institutions and the wood industry is one of the hallmarks of the forest economy. Universities and research institutions work closely with industry players to innovate sustainable practices, improve wood products, and ensure that forestry practices are both environmentally sound and economically viable. This symbiotic relationship allows for continuous improvement in both forest management techniques and the commercialization of forest products.
Kenya has enormous potential to foster similar collaborations. Establishing a strong link between research and industry will be essential to advancing sustainable forestry. Research institutions can offer valuable insights into tree species that are best suited for different regions of the country, the best methods for reforestation, and innovative ways to use wood in construction and other industries. Strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector will foster innovation and improve efficiency within the industry, allowing Kenya to benefit from a well-researched and structured forestry strategy.
4. Strong Organization of the Private Sector
A big part of Sweden’s forest success is the way its private sector is organized. The organization of the private sector within the forestry industry is both structured and influential. Forestry companies, owners, and stakeholders work collaboratively through associations and cooperatives, ensuring that they have a united voice when engaging with government on policy matters. This collective strength has made Sweden’s wood industry to remain competitive globally while maintaining sustainability standards.
In Kenya, we have the opportunity to create similar structures. Imagine a robust private sector engagement and investment in forestry, organized through associations and cooperatives, working together to advocate for policies, share best practices and collaborate on large-scale projects. By fostering such unity, we can ensure that the forestry sector becomes a powerhouse of economic growth while preserving Kenya’s rich biodiversity. These collaborations will also provide a platform for smaller players, such as community forest associations, to participate in the commercial forestry value chain.
The Path Ahead
Sweden’s success offers a glimpse of what’s possible for Kenya. By investing in human capital, enabling policies for private sector investment, fostering strong research-industry partnerships, and organizing a robust private sector, Kenya can pave the way for a future where forests are not only abundant but also central to our economic prosperity. The future of Kenya’s forests depends on our ability to adopt and adapt these lessons to our unique context, ensuring both economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.
About the author
Yvonne Nyokabi is a Climate Change Specialist at UNDP Kenya
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