Evaluation of NTFPs in the Secondary Forest of Minko’o Village, in the South Cameroon

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and some forest tree species are an important source of livelihood to communities. Unfortunately, their potential and uses are much unknown by the population or organization responsible for conservation. It is for this reason that this study was carried out in the village of Minko’o to assess this potential, and to show their importance. A socio-economic survey was carried out in the village and GPS coordinates of the identified NTFPs and forest trees was recorded from the farms/plantations and forest visited. A total of 20 households were surveyed in order to identify the different NTFPs and their utility for the population. Our findings revealed that 50% of the harvest of NTFPs and forest species is done by picking and 45% by collection. Some NTFPs and forest products were known and used by the people. Some of these resources were not known and therefore under exploited. It is the case of Cola (Cola nitida), Soursop (Persea muricata), Akom (Terminalia superba), Mfo (Enantia Chlorantha), Kassimang (Spondias purpurea). Most of NTFPs were grown by the populations and the preferred NTFP was the avocado tree. The forest tree species are mainly used for medicinal purposes. Other trees were used for construction.