This activity is linked to a project led by the Nature & Development Foundation (NDF) and Knowledge World Conservation (KWC) consortium in Ghana, the Liberia Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union (LICSATDUN) in Liberia and FECAPROBOIS in Cameroon.
The Cameroonian Federation of Associations and Professionals in Secondary Wood Processing (FECAPROBOIS) is organizing a series of training sessions in the cities of Ebolowa, Yaoundé, Douala, Bertoua, and Ngaoundéré in March 2026, for 175 professionals in the wood processing sector. Participants include: heads of wood processing companies, carpenters, cabinetmakers, joiners, sculptors, wood vendors, and woodworking artisans. The first training sessions took place from February 26-27, 2026, in Ebolowa (25 people), from March 2-3, 2026, in Yaoundé (25 people), and from March 5-6, 2026, (25 people). A total of 75 participants have already completed the training.
The activities are led by François Owona Owona, a water, forestry, and hunting engineer and forestry consultant. They are part of the implementation of the project: “Advancing Forest and Mining Governance to Reduce the Contribution of Timber Trade and Mining to Deforestation in Ghana, Liberia, and Cameroon,” implemented by the Nature & Development Foundation (NDF) and Knowledge World Conservation (KWC) consortium in Ghana, the Liberia Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union (LICSATDUN) in Liberia, and FECAPROBOIS in Cameroon. The project is funded by UK International Development.
Strategies For Sustainable Transformation Of The Timber Sector
The training focuses on the theme: “Legal and Regulatory Requirements in Timber Supply Chains for the Benefit of SMEs and Artisanal Wood Processors.” The modules cover timber legality (definition according to the Forestry Law of July 24, 2024, and verification), legal obligations for artisans and SMEs involved in timber processing (registration certificate, processing logbook, artisanal taxation), and the Second Generation Forest Information Management Computer System, SIGIF 2 (general information and importance for artisans and SMEs). “The goal is to secure our supply chains and guarantee our access to the domestic and international markets,” explains the project coordinator, Pamphile Ntanga.
In a context marked by difficulties in accessing regular and reliable legal and dry timber of sufficient quality and quantity, the tightening of forestry taxes, and the government requirement to use legally sourced timber in public procurement (as stipulated by Joint Decree No. 0162 on the origin of timber in public procurement), FECAPROBOIS is actively working to support artisans and SMEs in the sustainable transformation of the sector. The federation adds that the goal is to make legality « a lever for growth for everyone. » « It works to promote legal timber and the industrial development of our businesses, » quotes Mr. Ntanga. At the end of the day, the aim is to contribute to reducing deforestation through ensuring the legality of timber and securing timber supplies.
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