Scientific publications
Roseline Gusua Caspa
I.R. Tchouamo
Jean Pierre Mate Mweru
Entrepôt pour orphelin
This study investigated the marketing of Ricinodendron heudelotii kernels and leaves of Gnetum buchholzianum/G. africanum around Lobeke National Park in Eastern Cameroon. Non-timber forest products (NTFP) supply chain actors were identified and their financial benefits and problems encountered in their activities assessed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 152 producers in eight villages and 120 traders in four markets. Direct actors are producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The annual mean profits (AMP) of producers of R. heudelotii varied significantly between 120,013 FCFA in Kika and 23,992 FCFA in Koumela, whereas those of traders varied significantly between 442,880 FCFA in Yokadouma and 14,800 FCFA in Kika ( P=0.05). Producers of Gnetum spp. earned AMP between 324,740 FCFA in Mambele, and 74,657 FCFA in Koumela, while traders earned between 2,182,700 FCFA in Yokadouma and 1,397,933 FCFA in Moloundou (P=0.05). The problems encountered include difficulty to process and seasonality of R. heudelotii, long walking distances to collection sites and animal threats, low prices and lack of market information. NTFPs are collected from natural stocks and minimally processed using rudimentary tools. Domestication of NTFP species, improved processing and access to market and market information, collective action and establishment of local NTFP enterprises will enhance the benefits of actors.
