Valorization of NTFPs

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a significant role in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental spheres of the country and the entire Central African sub-region.

In certain forest areas, populations are heavily reliant on the exploitation of NTFPs, which generate about 45% of their income (Tieguhong J.C and al, 2009).

Women are involved in gathering, collecting, processing, and marketing activities. They also control 95% of the retail market (Tieguhong J.C and al, 2009). Regarding the satisfaction of health needs, 80% of the rural population in Central Africa uses NTFPs. Given all these factors, it is clear that NTFPs are a tool for fighting poverty. Despite the proven socio-economic importance of NTFPs, their current exploitation has not yet reached the level of development that they could generate, due to reasons such as limited access to forest resources; the low use of NTFP derivatives in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agri-food sectors; and the lack of appropriate technology. These issues hinder the development of the NTFP sub-sector and, consequently, the development of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) who are the primary actors in this sector and have implications at the local and national levels, including: low incomes for IPLC, leading to persistent rural poverty and consequently weak community development; a low contribution of NTFPs to the country's Gross Domestic Product; conflicts between titleholders and IPLC who generally face refusal to exercise their right to use or enter the UFA, Safari to collect NTFPs; underconsumption of NTFPs at the national level; and low use of NTFPs as raw materials by industries.