Launched in March 2010, this 3-year project aims to advance the livelihood security of rural communities and the sustainable management of forests shaped by Chinese investment in Africa, and enhance the contribution of Africas forests and raw materials to meaningful economic development.

The projects purpose is to advance understanding of the social, economic and environmental impacts of Chinese investment in commodities or sectors ffecting forests and livelihoods in Africa (e.g. timber, mining, oil palm), and to strengthen the capacity of decision makers in government, civil society and the private sector to enact reforms to maximise social and economic benefits whilst minimising dverse effects.

The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Gesellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ). Initial project partners include the University of Leipzigs Institute of African Studies and the World Agroforestry Centre, Beijing.