Uses of Non-Timber Forest Products exploited by the populations of Dibombari and Pouma, two localities of the Littoral region (Cameroon)

Abstract

Objective: In Cameroon, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play an important part in the life of local communities, providing them with food and subsistence income. The objective of this study was to determine the uses of NTFPs exploited by the populations in two peri-urban localities of the Littoral region.

Methodology and results: The works consisted of ethnobotanical surveys of households in the localities of Dibombari and Pouma. The interviews were carried out with men and women, with a minimum age of 21 years old. The interviews were carried out with men and women, with a minimum age of 21 years old, and concerned the identification of NTFPs and their uses. At the end of these surveys, 96 species belonging to 87 genera and 44 families were identified, 70 species in Dibombari and 62 species in Pouma. Gnetum africanum, Haumania danckelmaniana, Ageratum conyzoides, were the commonest species in Dibombari, and Ageratum conyzoides, Enantia chlorantha, and Spondias dulcis in Pouma. Six types of uses were recorded, traditional medicine, food uses, Packaging, Artisanal, socio-cultural and firewoods. The parts of plant most cited were leaves (38.92%) and the whole plant (23.95%) in Dibombari, and fruits (27.41%) and leaves (24.78%) in Pouma.

Conclusions and application of findings: Types of uses of NTFPs providing species play an important role in their avaibility. Thus, it would be judicious initially, to recommend eth popularization of the techniques of conservation of the plants with multiple uses to ensure the avaibility of these NTFPs in the study areas. Sustainable agriculture and effective conservation should be considered to promote and sustain the exploitation of NTFPs in both localities. In addition, the domestication and maintenance of some species on farms should be considered by the population.