Jean-Pierre Mbungu

Agroforestry Expert & Environmental Educator
Agroforestry Environmental Education Forest Conservation Sustainable Livelihoods Indigenous Knowledge

Jean-Pierre Mbungu is a leading agroforestry expert with over 20 years of experience developing sustainable land management systems across Central Africa. His pioneering work integrating traditional forest knowledge with modern agroforestry techniques has helped communities restore degraded landscapes while improving agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in a forest-dependent community, Jean-Pierre holds a PhD in Agroforestry Systems from the University of Kinshasa and has conducted extensive research on indigenous forest management practices. His work has been recognized by international organizations including the World Agroforestry Centre and the Congo Basin Forest Partnership.

As a speaker and educator, Jean-Pierre is known for his ability to translate complex ecological concepts into practical, actionable knowledge for diverse audiences. He has trained thousands of farmers, community leaders, and students across Africa, sharing his expertise on sustainable forest management, agroforestry design, and environmental stewardship.

Based in Libreville, Gabon • Available for international engagements
Languages: English, French, Lingala, Swahili
Experience: 20+ years in agroforestry, environmental education, and community development

Areas of Expertise

Agroforestry System Design

Expertise in designing and implementing agroforestry systems that integrate trees with crops and livestock to maximize productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Indigenous Forest Management

Specialized knowledge in documenting, preserving, and applying traditional forest management practices of Central African communities.

Forest Restoration

Expert in developing and implementing strategies for restoring degraded forest landscapes using native species and community-based approaches.

Non-Timber Forest Products

Specialized in developing sustainable harvesting and value-chain systems for non-timber forest products that support forest conservation and community livelihoods.

Environmental Education

Experienced educator who has developed curriculum and training programs for students, farmers, and community members on forest ecology and sustainable land management.

Community-Based Conservation

Advisor on developing and implementing community-based conservation initiatives that balance ecological protection with sustainable livelihoods and cultural values.

Speaking Topics

The Forest-Farm Interface: Agroforestry Solutions for the Congo Basin

This presentation explores innovative agroforestry approaches that are helping communities in the Congo Basin balance agricultural productivity with forest conservation. Jean-Pierre shares case studies from his work across Central Africa, demonstrating how agroforestry systems can restore degraded landscapes, enhance food security, and protect biodiversity.

Agroforestry Food Security Landscape Restoration

Indigenous Forest Knowledge: Learning from Traditional Stewards of the Congo Basin

Drawing on his extensive research with forest communities, Jean-Pierre discusses the sophisticated forest management systems developed by indigenous peoples of the Congo Basin. This talk highlights how traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern conservation efforts and sustainable resource management, with practical examples of successful integration.

Indigenous Knowledge Traditional Ecological Knowledge Forest Management

From Extraction to Stewardship: Transforming Community Relationships with Forests

This presentation addresses the challenges of shifting from extractive forest use to sustainable stewardship models. Jean-Pierre shares strategies for engaging communities in forest conservation through economic incentives, cultural connections, and participatory governance, with examples from successful initiatives across Central Africa.

Community Conservation Sustainable Livelihoods Participatory Governance

Non-Timber Forest Products: Sustainable Harvesting for Conservation and Livelihoods

Jean-Pierre explores the potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to support both forest conservation and community livelihoods. Drawing on his work developing sustainable NTFP value chains, he discusses best practices for harvesting, processing, and marketing forest products while maintaining ecosystem integrity.

Non-Timber Forest Products Sustainable Harvesting Value Chains

Educating for Environmental Stewardship: Approaches for Schools and Communities

This talk examines effective approaches to environmental education that foster ecological understanding and stewardship values. Jean-Pierre discusses curriculum development, experiential learning methods, and community engagement strategies based on his extensive experience as an environmental educator in Central Africa.

Environmental Education Experiential Learning Community Engagement

What People Say

Jean-Pierre's workshop on agroforestry design transformed our approach to landscape restoration. His ability to combine scientific knowledge with practical implementation strategies gave our team exactly what we needed to scale up our work. His deep understanding of both ecological principles and community dynamics makes him an exceptional educator and advisor.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen

Dr. Lisa Nguyen

Program Director, Central African Forest Initiative

Jean-Pierre's keynote address on indigenous forest knowledge was the highlight of our conference. He presented complex traditional systems in a way that was accessible and compelling, drawing connections to contemporary conservation challenges. His respect for both scientific and traditional knowledge creates a unique bridge between different ways of understanding forest ecosystems.

Prof. Samuel Okeke

Prof. Samuel Okeke

Chair, African Forest Ecology Symposium

As Jean-Pierre's mentee, I've gained invaluable insights into both the technical and social dimensions of agroforestry. His guidance has helped me develop projects that are not only ecologically sound but also culturally appropriate and economically viable. He has an extraordinary ability to see the connections between environmental, social, and economic systems.

Marie-Claire Dubois

Marie-Claire Dubois

Founder, Forests for the Future Initiative

Book Jean-Pierre for Your Event

Interested in having Jean-Pierre speak at your conference, lead a workshop, or provide consulting services? Contact our speakers team to discuss availability, topics, and arrangements.