The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse small and medium-sized forest enterprises (SMFEs) working in wood and non-timber forest products sectors and sub-sectors in the former Orientale Province in order to identify their impact on livelihoods of rural and urban households and the exploited resources. These small and medium-sized forest enterprises, while being lucrative, formal and/or informal, appear as responses to the economic and political crisis in which the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been languishing for several decades.

The results obtained from this study show that, despite their significant contribution to the survival of populations in the former Orientale Province, SMFEs are also a danger for the future of some of the exploited forest resources. In addition, entrepreneurs remain confronted with administrative, financial and social obstacles. It is up to the state and other actors to set up mechanisms that can contribute to the promotion of good governance in this sector.