Recognizing the Multiple Reasons for Bushmeat Consumption in Urban Areas: A Necessary Step Toward the Sustainable Use of Wildlife for Food in Central Africa

Abstract

Hunting in Central Africa poses a threat to several species and remains a crucial source of protein and income for African communities. However, we lack sufficient knowledge of the drivers of consumption to provide innovative strategies for sustainable use. Our literature review draws several conclusions based on available case studies. First, as the most highly valued bushmeat species are among the most common, there is a non-negligible potential to reduce the trade to the most resilient species without having to ban all bushmeat trade. Second, because bushmeat serves multiple functions above the purely consumptive, there is no guarantee that demand for bushmeat will decline. Third, bushmeat is perceived by consumers as a healthy food compared to industrial meats and consumer choices ignore the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. Multidisciplinary approaches that incorporate the human dimensions of wildlife are to be encouraged for a more sustainable use of bushmeat.