Ethnobotanical considerations into the Transformation of Non-Wood Forest Products in the Congo Basin: The Influence of Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Nature Valuation

Abstract (English)

The exploitation of non-timber forest products (NWFPs) plays a vital role for the people of Central Africa. Their use varies according to dietary and cultural habits. Although the market for raw NTFPs has been shown to be sustainable, socio-cultural, economic and political processes influence their use, affect their processing, limit their potential and the development of their markets. This study, conducted in Cameroon and Gabon, aims to characterize the market for processed NWFPs to promote their sustainable management. A total of 79 actors were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Women were more involved in the processing of NWFPs, accounting for 67% of the respondents. 54% of respondents reported that they had not received any training in NWFP processing and 46% reported that they had received training. A total of 99 processed NWFP species were identified (47 in Cameroon and 25 in Gabon). The most processed species are Ricinodendron heudelotii, Annickia chlorantha, Vitellaria paradoxa and Azadirachta indica, while the least processed species are Scorodophloeus zenkeri, Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica. Consensus values for parts used show that leaves (0.23), seeds (0.20), bark (0.18), fruit (0.12) and seeds (0.09) are the most used parts. Derived products include decoctions/drinks (27.54%), oil (20.35%), powder (15.38%) and butter (9.18%). Gels, perfumes and dietary supplements are less common. The transformation of NFPs is a social and cultural process transmitted from generation to generation within families and communities. The processed NWFPs is expanding, stimulated by the growing demand for natural products. However, stakeholders need to be better structured to ensure the sustainability of this market and of biodiversity, source of NWFPs.