Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Iponga D. M., Mikolo-Yobo C., Lescuyer G., Assoumou F. M., Levang Patrice, Tieguhong J. C., Ngoye A. (2018). The contribution of NTFP-gathering to rural people's livelihoods around two timber concessions in Gabon. Agroforestry Systems, 92 (1), p. 157-168. ISSN 0167-4366.

Titre du document
The contribution of NTFP-gathering to rural people's livelihoods around two timber concessions in Gabon
Année de publication
2018
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000419899400014
Auteurs
Iponga D. M., Mikolo-Yobo C., Lescuyer G., Assoumou F. M., Levang Patrice, Tieguhong J. C., Ngoye A.
Source
Agroforestry Systems, 2018, 92 (1), p. 157-168 ISSN 0167-4366
NTFPs are often presented as a major contributor to livelihoods, as sources of food and cash, particularly for rural communities. There are few data available in Gabon to confirm this common assertion. This study was conducted on 127 households in 14 villages around two timber concessions in the south-eastern and south-western regions of Gabon for a period of one year. Conventional socioaEuroeconomic survey tools such as focus group discussions, census and semi-structured interviews with households were used for gathering the data. Results reveal that rural people depend on various sources of food and income for their livelihoods, but overall, the current contribution of NTFPs obtained from plant sources is insignificant compared to those from other activities. Odika (Irvingia gabonensis), 'atanga sauvage' (Dacryodes buettneri), fungus (Termitomyces spp.) and Gabon nut (Coula edulis) represent the main forest products commonly harvested by rural people. They are used primarily for subsistence, but the surplus is sold. The results of this study suggest that: (1) the main components of decree No. 137/PR/MEFP of February 4, 2009, that prohibits the logging of five multiple-use tree species over a period of 25 years in order to safeguard the sources of NTFPs, should be reviewed; and (2) state authorities and partners should promote projects aimed at increasing public awareness of the NTFP sector. These projects should include a census of NTFPs (for food, for medicine and for services), characterize their uses and identify the markets of target products as well as the development potential of NTFPs. Such projects could help Gabon and other Congo Basin countries to fix norms/standards for sustainable natural resource management and for enhancing the contribution of NTFPs to the national economy. This will be particularly relevant in the wake of dwindling oil revenues and the need to diversify and promote other revenue sources in the country.
Plan de classement
Economie et sociologie rurale [098]
Description Géographique
GABON
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010071988]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010071988
Contact