The International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Working Groups on Small-scale Forestry and Forest History and Traditional Knowledge hosted a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from 21-23 July 2026. The conference was held under the theme, "The supply of forest products and services from small-scale forests, agroforestry, farms, and community lands," bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students to discuss the vital role of small-scale forestry systems in supporting sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and resilient landscapes.

FABI was represented by Prof. Brett Hurley, Dr Wegayehu Fitawek and Prof. Ilaria Germishuizen, a FABI External Research Associate and Research Director at the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR). The team highlighted their collaborative project on the management of pests and diseases affecting forest crops in Ethiopia. The presentation emphasised the current challenges to forest health, shared some of the research findings and outlined future management strategies to improve the productivity and sustainability of Ethiopia's forest plantations.

The conference was attended by 78 participants from 46 institutions across 18 countries, providing an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among experts in forestry, agroforestry, forest history, and traditional knowledge. As part of the programme, participants took part in a one-day field visit that showcased small-scale forestry operations and demonstrated the role of traditional knowledge in forest management. The field visit provided valuable opportunities to observe practical approaches to sustainable forestry and to engage directly with local communities and practitioners.

The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on strengthening international collaboration in forest research and encouraging participants to continue building partnerships and attend the 27th IUFRO World Congress in Kenya in 2029.