Introduction

This book explores the intricate relationship between African terrestrial biomes and the provision of ecosystem services, emphasizing their vital role in supporting human well-being, economic livelihoods, and sustainable development. It highlights the rich diversity of African landscapes, from tropical forests to arid deserts, and their significance in providing essential goods and services such as food, water, energy, and medicines. The book underscores the challenges posed by land degradation, climate change, and rapid population growth, which threaten the sustainability of these landscapes. It advocates for innovative practices in landscape restoration, agroforestry, and sustainable resource management to address these challenges. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the book examines the potential of multifunctional landscapes to contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, and biodiversity conservation. It presents research findings, theoretical frameworks, and case studies on the role of trees and non-timber forest products in enhancing landscape functionality, supporting rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development across sub-Saharan Africa. The book aims to inform policy frameworks and decision-making processes for managing tree-based multifunctional landscapes, with a focus on regional specificities and the diverse socio-economic and environmental contexts of the African continent.