Collection of NTFs in the Deng Deng National Park as a source of livelihood to the neighboring communities

The collection of Non-timber forest products is one of the major activities after agriculture in these communities. This activity is mostly carried out by women in all the villages. 80% of the produce collected is for commercial purpose and 20% for home consumption.

This activity keeps most women busy during its various seasons since most of them depend on it for better financial stability. The income gotten from the sale of these produce help them improve on their living standards and also help them pay their children’s school fees.

Research shows that very little efforts has been made to commercialise these products. However, most NTFPs are used mainly for subsistence purpose (mainly food and shelter). Predominant NTFPs include Bitter kola (Garcinia kola), Moabi oil (Baillonella toxisperma), Njansang (Ricinodendron heudolotti), Bush mango (irvingia gabonensis), raffia palm leaves, etc. Most of our informants told us that they lack the necessary funds and the knowledge to transform them into marketable products. Also, although they have some of these resources, they do not know whether they are marketable or not.