The first efforts to establish a genuine Forest Resources Administration in French-speaking African countries date back to the end of the 19th century, although there have been numerous attempts since the 18th century.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the Water and Forest Administration as a Service has existed since the decree of July 20, 1900 establishing the Forest Regime. Initially attached to the Directorate General of Economic Services of the General Government of Dakar, this Service passed, on the eve of the independence of Côte d'Ivoire, with the 1957 Framework Law, under the supervision of the State Secretariat for Agriculture and Cooperation.