Abstract
The study assesses the contribution of non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in rural livelihoods and the strategies for their conservation. A survey was conducted with 150 respondents in six villages of the Bamboko Forest Reserve (BFR), using questionnaire, complemented by interviews, focus group discussions and direct field observations. The results showed that 10 key NTFPs of plant origin and 13 animal species contributed to income generation, trade, employment and household energy in communities adjoining the BFR. In 2013, these communities generated an income of US$ 6,965 and US$ 3,603.8 per month from the sale of plant based major NTFPs and ‘bush meat’ respectively, contributing to the wellbeing of families. Unsustainable harvesting of NTFPs from the BFR have resulted in 90% reduction in quantity collected, 83% decrease in income as well as a purported 91% degradation of the forest reserve. Indeed, over 90% of local population indicated significant decrease in the quantity of NTFPs harvested and the number of animals hunted per month with consequential decreases in incomes.
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