Indigenous knowledge on irvingia gabonensis (bush mango) sustainability in the Takamanda National Park (TNP) communities, South West Cameroon

Abstract

ABSTRACTIrvingia gabonensis fruit (bush mango) is amongst the most valuable Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Takamanda National Park (TNP). It experienced an increasing market demand in the last twenty years, which prompted the study reported here. We interviewed ninety I. gabonensis fruit collectors in five villages close to TNP to assess the effects of the increasing demand on the management of the species. Irvingia gabonensis is abundant in the natural forests of the area, but trees have been planted by 97% of respondents in their farms. The Village Traditional Councils have developed rules that regulate I. gabonensis fruit collection in the wild and ensure its sustainability. Collectors, along with many animal species are active agents involved in the efficient I. gabonensis seed dispersion in the wild. Although the pressure on the bush mango resource is high and growing, local people in and around the Takamanda National Park have developed, on the basis of their indigenous knowledge of the species, collective collection rules as well as protection and enrichment practices that together contribute to ensuring the sustainability of bush mango harvesting in the area.