Millions of people living in forest-dependent communities continue to face extreme poverty despite the global forest sector generating an estimated US$1.5 trillion annually, according to a new United Nations assessment that warns progress toward eliminating poverty among forest populations is falling behind international targets.

The findings were published in the Global Forest Goals Report 2026, released during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests on May 11. The report evaluates progress toward the United Nations General Assembly Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, adopted in 2017 to strengthen the environmental, social and economic contribution of forests worldwide.

Under the framework’s second Global Forest Goal, member states committed to eradicating extreme poverty among forest-dependent people by 2030. However, the report concluded that the target is “off track,” citing persistent structural barriers that continue to prevent forest communities from benefiting fully from forest-based economies.

The global forest sector currently accounts for roughly 1% of worldwide employment, according to the assessment, yet many of the world’s poorest populations continue to reside in heavily forested regions. Large sections of these communities survive on incomes near or below US$3 per day despite forests serving as a primary source of food, fuel, income and subsistence.

The report said forestry has not significantly contributed to long-term poverty reduction among vulnerable populations because communities remain concentrated at the lowest end of supply chains with limited access to markets, processing infrastructure and commercial opportunities.

According to the UN assessment, weak market connectivity and insufficient value-added processing particularly affect producers of non-wood forest products, commonly referred to as NWFPs, which include goods such as medicinal plants, resins, nuts, fibres and wild foods. The report estimated the global value of NWFPs at approximately US$9.4 billion in 2020.

The document stated that nearly three-quarters of the global population uses some form of non-wood forest product, underlining forests’ continued importance to livelihoods and household economies, especially in rural areas across developing countries.However, the report identified major obstacles preventing forest producers from capturing greater economic returns.

These include inadequate transport infrastructure, limited access to business services, weak product standards, insufficient commercialization mechanisms and logistical bottlenecks that isolate producers from national and international markets.“Forest producers and communities remain at the low-value end of supply chains,” the assessment said, adding that infrastructure deficiencies continue to increase operational costs and reduce competitiveness for remote communities.

The report also noted a decline in forest-sector employment over the past decade. According to UN data cited in the assessment, the share of employment linked to the forest sector fell by approximately 3.1% between 2011 and 2022, further limiting income opportunities in forest-dependent regions.

The findings carry broader implications for global development targets beyond forestry itself. The UN assessment said progress in the forest sector directly affects multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, food security, access to clean water, affordable energy, economic growth and sustainable consumption.

The report linked forest-based livelihoods particularly to SDG 1 on ending poverty and SDG 2 on eliminating hunger, while also identifying connections to sanitation, energy access and rural employment generation.

Sub-Saharan Africa emerged as the region facing the greatest challenge. The report said extreme poverty rates in the region remain close to 46%, with little measurable improvement despite global declines in poverty levels over recent decades. Many of the world’s forest-dependent poor reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rural economies remain heavily reliant on forests for daily survival.

By comparison, several countries in Asia and Latin America showed what the report described as “partial recovery” following increases in poverty triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global extreme poverty rose sharply during the pandemic period before gradually declining from 11.4% in 2020 to approximately 10.3% in 2024, according to figures cited in the assessment. The report stated that forests played only a modest role in this recovery process.

It pointed to localized income gains generated through community forestry, agroforestry systems and payment-for-ecosystem-services programs, often referred to as PES schemes. These initiatives provided limited support for participating households but did not produce significant global reductions in poverty among forest communities.

“Data suggest that while forests continue to buffer rural livelihoods and contribute modestly to poverty reduction, there is no substantial global evidence of a significant post-2020 increase in the contribution of the forest sector to poverty eradication,” the report said.

The findings underscore a growing debate among policymakers and development agencies over how to integrate forest conservation with economic inclusion. International organizations have increasingly promoted community-led forest management and sustainable commercialization of forest resources as mechanisms for both protecting biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Environmental economists have argued that forests provide substantial indirect economic benefits through water regulation, climate stabilization and ecosystem services that are often not reflected in conventional income measurements. However, the UN assessment focused primarily on direct livelihood and poverty indicators tied to measurable household income and employment.

The report warned that without stronger investment in infrastructure, market integration and value-added forest industries, the benefits generated by the global forest economy are likely to remain concentrated away from the communities most dependent on forest resources for survival.

A former software engineer who left the technology sector after 14 years to pursue full-time farming has described the transition as personally rewarding but financially challenging, highlighting the gap between perception and reality in agricultural livelihoods.

The account, shared on an online forum and reported by Moneycontrol, outlines nearly a decade of experience in farming following the career shift.The individual, posting under the name “lastodyssey,” said the decision to leave a stable corporate role was driven by a desire for a different lifestyle, often associated with independence, connection to nature and reduced workplace stress.

However, he noted that the practical demands of farming differ significantly from these expectations.

According to his account, agriculture involves sustained physical labour and mental resilience, with outcomes often dependent on factors beyond individual control, including weather variability, input costs and market fluctuations.

He emphasised that profit margins remain limited, particularly when operations rely on hired labour. In such cases, he indicated that earnings may be reduced to break-even levels or result in financial losses.

The experience reflects broader structural challenges within the agricultural sector, where small-scale farming is frequently characterised by high risk and income instability.

While self-managed operations may offer some scope for profitability, the reliance on external inputs and labour can significantly affect financial viability.Despite these constraints, the individual stated that he does not regret the decision to leave the technology industry.

He cited non-monetary benefits as central to his continued engagement with farming, including daily routines shaped by physical activity and direct interaction with the natural environment.

Activities such as working in fields during the monsoon, observing crop growth and engaging in manual labour were described as providing a sense of satisfaction not previously experienced in office-based work.

The account also highlights a recurring theme among professionals considering similar transitions: the tendency to underestimate the complexity of agricultural work.

The perception of farming as a slower, less demanding alternative to corporate employment is challenged by the realities described, which include long working hours, physical strain and financial uncertainty.

The individual cautioned others against making comparable decisions without a clear understanding of the economic and operational aspects of farming. He suggested that those considering such a shift should evaluate not only lifestyle preferences but also long-term sustainability, access to resources and the ability to manage risks inherent in agriculture.

The narrative aligns with a broader trend in which urban professionals explore alternative careers in agriculture or rural enterprises, often motivated by lifestyle considerations.

However, outcomes vary widely depending on scale, location, crop selection and access to infrastructure.While the financial returns in this case remain modest, the individual’s experience underscores the distinction between economic success and personal fulfilment.

The account suggests that, for some, the value of farming lies in qualitative aspects of life rather than measurable income, even as financial pressures persist.

The post has drawn attention online, contributing to ongoing discussions about career transitions, work-life balance and the realities of non-traditional employment paths in contemporary economies.

In a village on the outskirts of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, 42-year-old apple grower Tariq Ahmad walks through his orchard inspecting trees that have defined his family’s livelihood for generations. For years, the predictable rhythm of seasons allowed farmers like him to plan harvests, manage inputs, and negotiate prices with a degree of certainty. That predictability, he says, has steadily eroded.

Erratic weather patterns have altered flowering cycles and reduced yields, forcing farmers to adapt to shorter and less reliable growing seasons. Late frosts followed by unseasonal rainfall have damaged blossoms, while prolonged dry spells have increased dependence on irrigation. “We used to know when the trees would bloom and when to expect harvest,” Ahmad said. “Now, nothing is certain.”

Agriculture remains a central component of the regional economy, with apple cultivation forming a significant share of income for rural households in the Kashmir Valley. According to data from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, horticulture contributes substantially to employment and output, but farmers increasingly report that climatic volatility is affecting both quality and quantity of produce.

Alongside environmental challenges, farmers are grappling with rising input costs. Fertilisers, pesticides, and transportation expenses have increased over recent years, narrowing profit margins. For smallholders, who often operate on limited land and capital, these cost pressures are particularly acute.

Abdul Rashid, a marginal farmer from Shopian district, said the cost of maintaining his orchard has nearly doubled in the past five years. “We are spending more, but earning less,” he said. “Even when the harvest is good, prices in the market are unpredictable.

”Market access remains another structural challenge. Many farmers rely on intermediaries to sell their produce in larger mandis, reducing their bargaining power. Price fluctuations, often driven by supply gluts or disruptions in transport, can significantly affect incomes. During peak harvest seasons, oversupply can push prices down, leaving farmers with limited returns despite high production.

The expansion of cold storage facilities has provided some relief, allowing farmers to store produce and sell it later at better prices. However, access to such infrastructure is uneven, and smaller farmers often cannot afford storage fees or lack proximity to these facilities.

In response to these pressures, some farmers are experimenting with new techniques and crop diversification. High-density plantation methods, which involve planting more trees per unit area, are being adopted to increase productivity. Others are exploring alternative crops such as vegetables or saffron to reduce dependence on a single source of income.

Agricultural extension services and training programmes have also expanded, aimed at helping farmers adopt modern practices. Officials from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology have been conducting outreach initiatives to promote efficient irrigation methods, pest management, and soil health improvement.

Despite these efforts, adoption remains uneven. Farmers cite financial constraints, limited awareness, and risk aversion as barriers to transitioning away from traditional practices. For many, the cost of experimenting with new methods without guaranteed returns is prohibitive.

Beyond statistics, the changes in agriculture are reshaping daily life in rural communities. For families dependent on seasonal income, uncertainty in harvests translates directly into financial instability. Education, healthcare, and household expenses are often tied to agricultural earnings, making fluctuations difficult to absorb.

Tariq Ahmad said that in years of poor harvest, he has had to rely on informal loans to meet household needs. “When the crop fails, everything else is affected,” he said. “We cannot plan for the future.”Younger members of farming families are increasingly seeking employment outside agriculture, drawn by the promise of more stable incomes in urban areas or other sectors.

This gradual shift is altering the demographic composition of rural communities, with implications for the future of farming in the region.

At the same time, some farmers remain committed to agriculture, viewing it not only as a source of income but also as a cultural and familial legacy. “This land belongs to our ancestors,” Ahmad said. “Leaving it is not an easy decision.

Government interventions have focused on improving infrastructure, providing subsidies, and promoting crop insurance schemes to mitigate risks. However, implementation challenges persist, particularly in ensuring that benefits reach smaller and more remote farmers.

Experts note that long-term sustainability will depend on a combination of climate adaptation strategies, market reforms, and institutional support. Strengthening supply chains, improving access to credit, and enhancing farmer awareness are seen as critical components of this process.

While the region’s agricultural sector continues to adapt, the pace of change is uneven, and outcomes remain uncertain. For farmers like Tariq Ahmad, the future of agriculture is increasingly tied to forces beyond their control, from global market dynamics to shifting climate patterns.

As he surveys his orchard, Ahmad reflects on the uncertainty that now defines his work. “We still depend on the land,” he said. “But the land is changing, and we are trying to keep up.”

A landmark ruling restores small-scale farmers’ long-standing freedom to save and exchange traditional seeds, reshaping the balance between local practices and commercial seed regulations.

Small-scale farmers across Kenya celebrated a significant legal victory after the High Court ruled that they can continue the long-standing tradition of saving and sharing indigenous seeds without facing criminal penalties.

The decision brought renewed hope to rural communities that have relied on these practices for generations, strengthening their ability to grow crops suited to local climates and cultural knowledge.

The case centred on provisions within the 2012 Seed and Plant Varieties Act, which previously imposed fines or jail terms on anyone who saved uncertified seeds and shared or sold them to fellow farmers.

Many smallholders argued that the law placed disproportionate restrictions on communities that have preserved seed varieties vital for resilience, biodiversity, and food security.

Farmers gathered in different parts of the country to watch the ruling as it was delivered, with many expressing relief that the court had acknowledged the value of indigenous agricultural traditions.

One farmer said the decision would allow communities to continue planting seeds that have been part of their heritage for decades and have proven more adaptable to drought and shifting weather patterns.

The court’s judgment stated that the law unfairly treated traditional farmers and large commercial seed producers differently, creating an imbalance in the rights granted to both groups.

By granting expansive proprietary protections to plant breeders while limiting traditional seed practices, the legislation had tilted too heavily toward industrial agriculture.

A lawyer representing the petitioning farmers explained that the ruling restored fairness by recognising that seed sharing is not merely an economic activity but a cultural and ecological practice embedded within rural life.

He noted that farmers depend on seed exchange networks not only for affordability but also for access to varieties better suited to local soils, climates, and growing conditions.

The case originated in 2022 when a group of farmers filed a petition asking the High Court to declare parts of the Seed and Plant Varieties Act unconstitutional.

They argued that punishing smallholder communities for saving or sharing seeds undermined traditional knowledge systems and threatened long-term food independence.

Campaign organisations that supported the case welcomed the decision as a step forward for what they describe as “food sovereignty,” emphasising that communities must maintain control over their means of production.

Activists said the ruling reinforces the idea that agricultural policies should protect biodiversity and long-term sustainability rather than prioritising purely commercial interests.

Representatives from civil society groups added that indigenous seeds often carry qualities that make them more suitable for Kenya’s increasingly unpredictable climate, especially in regions facing prolonged dry seasons.

These seeds, they argued, have been improved over generations by farmers who understand local environments better than commercial entities producing uniform hybrid varieties.

Supporters of the ruling said it also strengthens efforts to preserve Kenya’s diverse seed heritage, which includes maize, beans, sorghum, millet, and numerous traditional vegetables passed down through families.

Without legal protection, many feared these varieties could disappear, replaced by commercial alternatives that are expensive and sometimes poorly suited to rural conditions.

While government agencies responsible for seed quality have previously argued that regulation is necessary to maintain standards and support higher crop yields, critics say this approach must be balanced with the realities of smallholder farming.

They stress that oversight should not become a barrier that criminalises practices that have sustained communities for centuries.

The ruling is expected to influence broader discussions on agricultural policy across East Africa, where many countries face similar debates over traditional seed practices versus commercial seed regulation.

As governments consider strategies for food security, the Kenyan decision may serve as a reference point for how to support both innovation and tradition.

Farmers’ groups say the judgment does not eliminate the need for ongoing dialogue between authorities, breeders, and rural communities to ensure that agricultural laws remain fair and inclusive.

They believe future policy can integrate both certified seed systems and indigenous practices in a way that strengthens resilience and national food stability.

For now, many smallholders see the ruling as a crucial affirmation of their right to preserve and exchange seeds that have formed the backbone of local agriculture for generations.

They hope the decision will help protect their livelihoods while ensuring that Kenya’s rich agricultural heritage continues to thrive for years to come.