Forest Management for Non-Wood Forest Products and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) and services in livelihood support has been reviewed. Quite a number of NWFPs are also important articles of commerce and contribute significantly to the economies of various African countries. The non-consumptive role of forests has been examined in terms of eco-tourism while the social and economic viability of the production of NWFPs and services have been reviewed from subsistence and commercial perspectives. Conditions that enable long-term viability in the management of forests for NWFPs and services have been reviewed. Need for sound ecological data in relation to resource stock and yield were noted as important in determining ecological sustainability. A number of institutional issues important to SFM were noted, including setting up of strong producer organizations, enabling policies and legislative frameworks, and relevant institutions within the government that provide supportive roles. Multiple use management was noted as an important concept towards sustainable forestry and clearly demonstrates how forests can be managed for both wood and NWFPs. From an analysis of lessons learnt from the above, various recommendations were made.

Contribution of Small-Scale Gum and Resin Commercialization to Local Livelihood and Rural Economic Development in the Drylands of Eastern Africa

“…Gum arabic and frankincense production and collection make 3-5 times higher income than the aggregate of other forest products collected by households which are mostly used for subsistence. The result confirmed the economic significance of the woodland and tree resources in the dryland regions of Sudan and Ethiopia, which are valued more for their commercial NTFPs-principally gum and resin products [8,29]. As expected, considerable inter-case variations were observed in the level of gum and resin income.…”

Tree response to bark harvest: the case of a medicinal species, <i>Garcinia lucida</i>, as source of raw materials for plant-based drug development

“…It is used for medicinal purposes as an antidote against poison or to prevent food poisoning, to cure diarrhoeas, stomach and gynaecological pains, as well as to cure snake bites. It is also believed to possess some aphrodisiac properties and that it could be used to chase away ghosts (van Dijk, 1999;Chikamai et al, 2009). Many active compounds with bioactivities such as antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antacids, curare antidote or inhibitory effect, β-lactamase inhibition have been found in its diverse plant parts (Kamanyi et al, 1990;Nyemba et al, 1990;Fotie et al, 2007;Gangoué-Piéboji et al, 2009;Momo et al, 2011;Lacmata et al, 2012).…”

“…Many active compounds with bioactivities such as antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antacids, curare antidote or inhibitory effect, β-lactamase inhibition have been found in its diverse plant parts (Kamanyi et al, 1990;Nyemba et al, 1990;Fotie et al, 2007;Gangoué-Piéboji et al, 2009;Momo et al, 2011;Lacmata et al, 2012). Bark harvesting has been intensified due to the steadily increasing demand for palm wine and traditional liquor (Ndoye et al, 2001;Djaligue, 2007;Chikamai et al, 2009). Usually, before debarking, a machete is used to test the thickness of the bark and if the bark will be easily detached from the wood.…”

Inventaire et caractérisation des plantes médicinales utilisées en thérapeutique dans le département de la Sanaga Maritime: Ndom, Ngambe et Pouma

“…En dehors des plantes cultivées, plusieurs plantes sauvages peu connues revêtent une grande importance culturelle et un fort potentiel économique pour l'alimentation, les soins, l'énergie, l'habillement et la construction des logements (Koné et Kamanzi, 2006). Les relations entre les plantes et les hommes existent depuis de longues dates (Chikamai et al, 2009). Environ 80% des cinq milliards d'habitants que compte la planète à recours à la médecine traditionnelle (Mbita Messi, 1998).…”