Emmanuel Kendemeh
17 June 2004
The panacea for rural communities in forest zones here spelt out in three publications.
Research has intensified to enable local forest communities and small farmers gain their rightful share from forest resources. The research this time concerns Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) with emphasis on increasing the production, transformation and the value of the products. The Centre for International Forestry Research, CIFOR, committed to conserving forest resources and improving the livelihoods of people in the tropics has been undertaking research in the domain for over ten years.
One of CIFOR's recent publications is titled "Forest Products, Livelihoods and Conservation; Case Study of Non-Timber Forest Products Systems, Volume 2 Africa". The 333-page book highlights the importance of NTFP in poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement. In presenting the book, the regional representative of CIFOR to Cameroon, Dr Ndoye said that the study was carried out in ten African countries, Cameroon included. Focus was on medicinal plants, fruits and oils, wood carving and wood, fibre and weaving products, and animal products. The researchers compared and contrasted individual and collective cases of NTFP basing on production, processing and trade. The cases offer an invaluable resource for researchers, development practitioners and conservation workers interested in understanding the links between commercialisation, livelihoods and forest conservation.
The next recent publication "Riches of the forest: For health, life and spirit in Africa". Edited by Citlalli Lopez and Patricia Shanley, is a 115-page document which brings to light the crucial role of NTFP in providing resources for local livelihood. In the various chapters of the book, each researcher works on an aspects. The research was conducted in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Concerning animals and insects, focus was on bush meat; studies on fruits centred on bitter cola, dried kernels, bush plum and shea butter; as for medicinal plants, focus was on prunus medicinal bark. The researchers were equally interested in wood products such as woodcarving, chewing stick and fuel wood. A special study was carried out on rattan and palm in Cameroon. The study helped to bring to life the people and products behind the research and the importance of drawing up policies for the sustainable management of the resources to improve the livelihood of the local communities. It presents the diverse opportunities and problems gatherers and traders in NTFP face and their manner of responding to change.
Another publication, "Nature wealth and power: emerging best practices for revitalising rural Africa NWP", presents principles and practices susceptible to guide investment in the rural areas in Africa.
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