Assessing the distribution, exploitation and marketing of bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) in and around the Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon

Abstract

The harvest, cultivation and marketing of bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is one of the promising economic activities in the Kimbi Fungom National Park today. Though it has a seasonal market, it is very much appreciable in terms of economic viability of the population. This paper is set to assess the harvest rate, the cultivation and the economic benefit of bush mango in and around the Kimbi Fungom National park, Cameroon. The study employ the use of transects and reccee walk to assess the distribution of the plant in the forest, structured questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion to assess the exploitation and marketing of bush mango. The park was divided into 20 blocks and 10 blocks were selected in lowland area of the park for this flora survey in which the Bush mango plants were sorted. In each block, a 1 km line transect was established with 5 quadrates of 20 × 20 m. These transects were laid to cut across the lowland rainforest where the presence of bush mango is found. A reccee survey was also employed in which preexisting roads in the forest were followed. Purposeful sampling was also employed where bush mango dealers were identified and interviewed across the 10 selected villages in the park. Questionnaires were purposefully distributed and focus groups were organized with those involved in harvesting, cultivation and trading. A total of 300 questionnaires were administered in 10 villages that are 30 per village. Interviews were granted to the chiefs, farmers, hunters, forest guards and traders of bush mango. Results revealed that half of the park occupants are involved in the bush mango exploitation, 0.3% involved in the cultivation and 10% involved in trading. Average price range between 7500 FRS and 9500 FRS per 5 litre and 90% of the products is sold to Nigeria across the Taraba State and 10% returned to Cameroonian territory. The naira is the main currency used for exchange. Accessibility through the River Katsina Ala accounted for the easy trade with Nigerians than the steep hills and poor route network into the Cameroon communities. It is however recommended that with the increasing exploitation and cultivation, the trade could be harmonized for a better sales and economic benefits.