Socioeconomic factors influencing the gathering of major non-timber forest products around Nki and boumba-bek national parks, southeastern Cameroon

Natural resources are inextricably linked to development processes and socio-economic growth of populations. In sub-Saharan Africa, forest resources are essential to the economic performance of the local communities, many of whom still live-in rural areas. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have the potential to contribute to conservation efforts by reducing pressure on forests. However, despite the extension of the market system to others regions, low appreciation of the socio-economic potential by local people makes NTFPs unattractive as a main source of income. The aim of this study was to identify the main socio-economic factors justifying main NTFP gathering in the vicinity of the Boumba Bek and Nki National Parks, Southeast Cameroon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 households in 14 villages inhabited by Baka and Bantu. The socio-economic determinants gathering of five main NTFPs, namely Ricinodendron heudelotii, Irvingia gabonensis, Aframomum melegueta, Afrostyrax lepidophyllus and Monodora myristica, were assessed using univariate statistics and logistic regression analysis. For both ethnic groups, NTFPs are harvested for their income-generating potential and availability. Baka gather more NTFPs than the Bantu, but sell their products at a lower price. Bantu, even when producing small quantities, sell their products at high prices. Disparity in production and income between these two ethnic groups reflects their contrasting lifestyles, despite living in the same environment. Income from NTFP gathering is the cosmopolitan variable that explains the quantities collected. In addition, the collectors' age, ethnicity and whether or not they have received training in NTFP collection are also determining variables that explain NTFPs quantities collected. This research shows that species such as I. gabonensis and R. heudelotii should be promoted because of their high economic potential. There is also an urgent need to build the capacity of local populations in NTFP gathering practices and domestication.