This article looks at the impacts of climate change on African forest ecosystems and forest-related sectors and the implications for rural livelihoods. The review looks at case studies from Botswana, the Gambia, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, Malawi and Uganda for impacts, underlying causes of vulnerability, and coping and adaptation strategies. It is concluded that climate change is likely to cause additional inequalities, thus disproportionately affecting the poor. The authors argue that adaptation is Africa’s most viable option for dealing with the confronting risks and multiple stresses of climate change and that increasing Africa’s adaptive capacity will urgently require commitment at local, national and international levels.