Agriculture & Forestry

Much attention is being focused on Gabon’s rural areas and on developing the 5m ha of fertile land it contains. While the country has one of the lowest population densities in sub-Saharan Africa, around 86% of its 1.8m inhabitants have opted to live in the major urban centres. As a result, the rural workforce is lacking and work is being undertaken to tackle this issue through advertising campaigns that convey the image of farmers as entrepreneurs. However, another challenge in terms of developing a rural workforce is a need for training facilities. From a forestry operator’s perspective, the cost of labour is also a key consideration.

This chapter includes a dialogue with Frederic Ober, Director-General, Precious Woods CEB; and Didier Balzaretti, Former Director-General, Rougier Gabon.