EN
The article discusses the main factors of degradation of tropical rain forests in two different African social and natural environments: in the mountainous, densely populated although difficult to access region of Rwanda (the forest of Nyungwe), and on the lowland area of Ivory Coast that has been nearly deserted (Tai). The studied areas have been integral parts of two great African forest systems: the Guinea and the Congo ones. Nowadays, as a result of tree felling (particularly intense in the second half of our century) within the areas surrounding both forest areas cited, they are the last remains of primary forest in West Africa (Tai forest) and in the Eastern part of the continent (Nyungwe). The analysis presented in the article shows that the rhythm of degradation of the forests (that unfortunately is taking place) can be slowed down thanks to two closely interrelated factors: financial investment in the forest protection and the substitution of slash and burn shift agriculture by other forms of economic activities among the local population.