Non-timber forest products and conservation: what prospects?CIFOR-ICRAF
Non-timber forest products have been hailed as a ‘silver bullet’ for sustainable development and forest conservation, because of the significance of forest products as both food and income for rural dwellers, but evidence from this presentation’s core study suggests that harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is failing to meet goals for combining conservation and poverty alleviation. NTFPs can have a role in rural livelihoods, especially through multiple-use sustainable forestry projects, but these require long-term investments and complex co-management approaches. CIFOR scientist Terry Sunderland gave this presentation at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, held in Bonito, Brazil on 19 June 2012.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
A comparative evaluation of Indole-3-Butyric Acid and plant extracts as poten...AI Publications
This study tested the effect of a synthetic phytohormone and plant extracts on rooting of cuttings. Treatments comprised of two tree species (Cordia mellineii and Vitex diversifolia) and five pre-planting rooting treatments (untreated control, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), aloe vera gel (AV), coconut water (CW), and AV+CW in the ratio 1:1 v/v) laid out in split-plot. Data were collected four months after the application of treatments. There was neither rooting of Cordia mellineii cuttings in any of the treatments nor Vitex diversifolia cuttings in the control. Rooting percentage of Vitex diversifolia was highest in AV+CW and lowest in the AV treatment which did not show a significant difference with the control. In contrast, values of number of primary roots were highest in AV. Number of secondary roots, root system length and root fresh weight were significantly reduced by IBA. Root diameter was unresponsive to rooting enhancing treatments. The results suggest that biostimulators are essential for rooting of Vitex diversifolia cuttings. While IBA, AV, and CW may have a comparable influence on root initiation, the two plant extracts have the tendency to exhibit a stronger effect when in combination. In addition, IBA may be less beneficial for root growth than AV and CW.
Non-timber forest products and conservation: what prospects?CIFOR-ICRAF
Non-timber forest products have been hailed as a ‘silver bullet’ for sustainable development and forest conservation, because of the significance of forest products as both food and income for rural dwellers, but evidence from this presentation’s core study suggests that harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is failing to meet goals for combining conservation and poverty alleviation. NTFPs can have a role in rural livelihoods, especially through multiple-use sustainable forestry projects, but these require long-term investments and complex co-management approaches. CIFOR scientist Terry Sunderland gave this presentation at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, held in Bonito, Brazil on 19 June 2012.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
A comparative evaluation of Indole-3-Butyric Acid and plant extracts as poten...AI Publications
This study tested the effect of a synthetic phytohormone and plant extracts on rooting of cuttings. Treatments comprised of two tree species (Cordia mellineii and Vitex diversifolia) and five pre-planting rooting treatments (untreated control, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), aloe vera gel (AV), coconut water (CW), and AV+CW in the ratio 1:1 v/v) laid out in split-plot. Data were collected four months after the application of treatments. There was neither rooting of Cordia mellineii cuttings in any of the treatments nor Vitex diversifolia cuttings in the control. Rooting percentage of Vitex diversifolia was highest in AV+CW and lowest in the AV treatment which did not show a significant difference with the control. In contrast, values of number of primary roots were highest in AV. Number of secondary roots, root system length and root fresh weight were significantly reduced by IBA. Root diameter was unresponsive to rooting enhancing treatments. The results suggest that biostimulators are essential for rooting of Vitex diversifolia cuttings. While IBA, AV, and CW may have a comparable influence on root initiation, the two plant extracts have the tendency to exhibit a stronger effect when in combination. In addition, IBA may be less beneficial for root growth than AV and CW.
This presentation by Tony Cunningham, Terry Sunderland and Robert Nkuinkeu shows why the Prunus africana case is globally significant in terms of policy vs. practice, offers 6 take home messages and recommendations for the future.
4 ijfaf feb-2018-3-effect of different growth mediaAI Publications
Cordiaafricana(Lam.)is an economically and ecologically important component tree species of the Bamenda Highlands Forest which is under threat from over-exploitation. There is a need to develop high quality planting stock for increased availability and sustainability of the species. A study was carried out at the National Forestry Development Agency (ANAFOR) in Bamenda, North West of Cameroon, to evaluate the effect ofgrowth medium on sprouting and growth of vegetatively propagated C.africana(Lam.). Hardwood cuttings from lower branches of trees were grown in sand, sawdust, and a 1:1 sand: sawdust mixture in a non-mist propagator for three months. Data on percentage sprouting, days to sprouting, number of shoots, shoot height, stem diameter, stem volume, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area were subjected to analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Scheffé’s multiple means comparison test at 5% level of probability. While sawdust significantly reduced values of all the plant traits, no significant differences were detected between sand and the sand: sawdust mixture. The results show that sand and 1:1 sawdust: sand are suitable alternatives for propagation of C. africana(Lam.)from branch cuttings.
Introductory lecture to the Tropical Forests, Agroforestry and Social and Ecological Systems.
A presentation of a transdisciplinary approach to Complex Agroforestry Systems.
Feeding the domestic market: Is small-scale timber harvesting sustainable in ...CIFOR-ICRAF
Valentina Robiglio, Paolo Omar Cerutti, Guillaume Lescuyer.
Presentation for the conference on
Taking stock of smallholders and community forestry
Montpellier France
March 24-26, 2010
This presentation by Tony Cunningham, Terry Sunderland and Robert Nkuinkeu shows why the Prunus africana case is globally significant in terms of policy vs. practice, offers 6 take home messages and recommendations for the future.
4 ijfaf feb-2018-3-effect of different growth mediaAI Publications
Cordiaafricana(Lam.)is an economically and ecologically important component tree species of the Bamenda Highlands Forest which is under threat from over-exploitation. There is a need to develop high quality planting stock for increased availability and sustainability of the species. A study was carried out at the National Forestry Development Agency (ANAFOR) in Bamenda, North West of Cameroon, to evaluate the effect ofgrowth medium on sprouting and growth of vegetatively propagated C.africana(Lam.). Hardwood cuttings from lower branches of trees were grown in sand, sawdust, and a 1:1 sand: sawdust mixture in a non-mist propagator for three months. Data on percentage sprouting, days to sprouting, number of shoots, shoot height, stem diameter, stem volume, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area were subjected to analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Scheffé’s multiple means comparison test at 5% level of probability. While sawdust significantly reduced values of all the plant traits, no significant differences were detected between sand and the sand: sawdust mixture. The results show that sand and 1:1 sawdust: sand are suitable alternatives for propagation of C. africana(Lam.)from branch cuttings.
Introductory lecture to the Tropical Forests, Agroforestry and Social and Ecological Systems.
A presentation of a transdisciplinary approach to Complex Agroforestry Systems.
Feeding the domestic market: Is small-scale timber harvesting sustainable in ...CIFOR-ICRAF
Valentina Robiglio, Paolo Omar Cerutti, Guillaume Lescuyer.
Presentation for the conference on
Taking stock of smallholders and community forestry
Montpellier France
March 24-26, 2010
My presentation on "Ecocriticism in the poems of Robert Frost"janiriddhi
“All that is separate from us, all which Philosophy distinguishes as the NOT ME, that is, both nature and art, all other men and my own body, must be ranked under this name, NATURE.” by R. W. Emerson
An Emergent Carapa oreophila Products Value Chain – A Case Study of The Kilum...AI Publications
This study focused on the tradable products of Carapaoreophilaand employs ethnobotanic quantitative methods. Semi-structured ethnobotanical questionnaires were conducted to collect information on general knowledge of Carapa oreophila, characteristics of informants; plant parts exploited as well as gathering; processing and storage methods. The reasons for use: market value, points of sales, means of transport, trade channels, constraints and their opinion on resource availability. Ethnobotanic method and descriptive statistic were employed to measure the effect of product exploitation. This paper exposes three traded Carapaoreophilaproducts with high market value. Fuel wood and leave-rodent chain had high market value and high turnovers while wood craft goods, hoe and axe handles had high turnovers but low market value. Leave harvesters are also fuelwood suppliers. The incomes earned by harvesters of the Carapa products are used to meet their domestic demand for money or liquidity preference. Unfortunately, harvest methods and techniques are unhealthy and do not contribute to secure the forest resource. Given its multipurpose uses, we recommend the promotion and enhancement of Carapa oreophila through its domestication and seed oil production to provide significant socio-economic benefits to the local people. To this end, it is necessary to implement strategies to support local communities to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of the species as part of the preservation of plant biodiversity.
Ethnobotanic use Value Knowledge of Carapa oreophila in the Kilum Mountain Re...AI Publications
Carapa orephila, is a native species with versatile values traditionally exploited by the local population in Kilum Mountain forest area. This study focused on assessing local knowledge about the use of Carapa oreophila, Semi-structured ethnobotanical questionnaires were conducted among the ethnic groups Oku, Kom, Nso and the Borroro (Peul) in four localities of Kilum. Use values and Interviewee/resource assessment of stages of harvest among these ethnic groups and gender were evaluated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used alongside with Stata to assess significant differences related to gender and ethnic groups. Results indicates that Carapa oreophila has a high use values as a multipurpose species. According to the consensus value for plant parts, the trunk (23.21%); branches (25.11%); fruits and seeds (9.84%); bark (9.84%); roots (9.84%); leaf (16.46%) and the gum (latex) 5.771%, were indicated with branches and trunk as the most significant. The use diversity values of Carapa oreophila showed a high proportion of domestic (UD=0.62) and therapeutic (UD=0.26) uses. The UD for these were higher for Oku and Kom (0.36 and 0.39) than Nso and the Borroro (0.16 and 0.07) ethnic groups. Comparative analysis between genders revealed that the highest UD for domestic uses (0.55) and therapeutic uses (0.24) were observed in men than women. Men of Oku and Kom had the highest level of knowledge regarding plant parts used, forms of use and the specific reasons for using Carapa oreophila. Given its multipurpose uses, we recommend the promotion and enhancement of Carapa oreophila through its domestication and seed oil production to provide significant socio-economic benefits to the local people. To this end, it is necessary to develop and implement strategies to support local communities to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of the species as part of the preservation of plant biodiversity lost.
04 j muriukijonathan-icraf- evergreen-agric-eastafrica-fara-aasw-accra july 2...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
Evergreen Agriculture is a form of more intensive farming that integrates trees with annual crops, maintaining a green cover on the land throughout the year. It raises productivity, diversifies the farmland, raises direct production of food, fodder, fuel, fiber and income. It conserves forests and sequesters carbon.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and Integration of Crops, trees and Lives...ExternalEvents
The presentation by Dr. Abigael Otinga (University of Eldoret) introduces the concept of integrated management of trees, crops and livestock on farm and at the landscape scales, and their benefits in terms of increasing, sustainably, agricultural production. The presentation builds on a Technical Guidance Document on “Mainstreaming ecosystem services and biodiversity in agricultural production and management in East Africa”, published by FAO in 2016, and was given at a national training workshops for stakeholders involved in the revision of the Kenya NBSAP that was held at ICRAF in Nairobi, 25-26 May 2016. More information on the event are available at: www.fao.org/africa/news/detail-news/en/c/417489/
The activities were carried out under the EU-funded project “Capacity building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries – Phase 2” (ACP/MEAs2).
Status of large mammals: case study of gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehi), chimp...IJEAB
This study entitled status of large mammals: case study of gorilla, chimpanzee and buffalo, was carried out in the Black Bush Area of Waindow (BBAW), Menchum South, NW Cameroon from January-March, 2014. The general objective was to determine the status of large mammal’s species and to investigate the presence of gorilla, chimpanzees and buffalo reported by the indigenous people in order to contribute to the conservation of these species in the region. The recce- survey method was used for species inventory whereby direct and indirect observations of bio-indicators of these species and human signs were recorded. From the result, the encounter rates of buffalo and chimpanzee were 0.35 and 0.26 signs per km respectively with no gorilla sign observed. Spatial distribution maps revealed great concentration of these species in the northern zone. Hunting recorded the highest encounter rate of 0.42 signs per km of anthropogenic activities. As such, one could deduce that the pressures exacerbated on these animals due to human activities and encroachment by Nigeria traders, and grazers placed the remaining species under intense threat of disappearing within the study areas. It is therefore necessary to intensify conservation efforts so as to urgently address these species concerns.
Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central Ga...Innspub Net
The forests of the Congo Basin cover an area of 200 million hectares, of which just over 10% is in Gabon. In this country, crop products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are abundant because of its favourable climate. There is significant biodiversity and great potential for non-timber forest products. This study is interested in the identification and the supply chain of the Marantaceae, one of these NTFPs of plant origin in central Gabon, whose exploitation is national. Through a survey of the main actors in the sector and field visits in the locality of Bifoun, it emerges the existence of three large groups of exploited marantaceae, whose harvest and transport are mainly done by women, in various containers. The storage of this NTFPs does not exceed four days, with the risk of losing its commercial value due to drying out. The uses of this resource are multiple: processing cassava, cooking food, making handicrafts, etc. The income it provides to producers is mainly use towards small family expenses but helps to monetize the rural world. The difficulties inherent in the distance from harvesting points, the low price of the product and the impossibility of long-term storage of the marantaceae leaves constitute a brake on the development of this activity. It would therefore be wise to envisage the domestication of the species listed for a sustainable use of this plant genetic resource.
Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central GabonOpen Access Research Paper
The forests of the Congo Basin cover an area of 200 million hectares, of which just over 10% is in Gabon. In this country, crop products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are abundant because of its favourable climate. There is significant biodiversity and great potential for non-timber forest products. This study is interested in the identification and the supply chain of the Marantaceae, one of these NTFPs of plant origin in central Gabon, whose exploitation is national. Through a survey of the main actors in the sector and field visits in the locality of Bifoun, it emerges the existence of three large groups of exploited marantaceae, whose harvest and transport are mainly done by women, in various containers. The storage of this NTFPs does not exceed four days, with the risk of losing its commercial value due to drying out. The uses of this resource are multiple: processing cassava, cooking food, making handicrafts, etc. The income it provides to producers is mainly use towards small family expenses but helps to monetize the rural world. The difficulties inherent in the distance from harvesting points, the low price of the product and the impossibility of long-term storage of the marantaceae leaves constitute a brake on the development of this activity. It would therefore be wise to envisage the domestication of the species listed for a sustainable use of this plant genetic resource.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
Adversarial Attention Modeling for Multi-dimensional Emotion Regression.pdf
Promotion Of Forest Products By Women
1. PROMOTION OF FOREST PRODUCTS BY WOMEN (Case
study; South West Province of Cameroon)
Mr. Ekomenzoge Metuge
March, 2004
Abstract
In Cameroon, as in many other developing countries, people at the grassroots, especially
women, are unaware of the majority of the debates on "the changing environment". It is
postulated that there are direct links between poverty and environmental degradation. Recent
field experiences show that alternate means of making a livelihood can save the environment
from resource over-exploitation and degradation, especially when alternative income-
generating activities are aimed primarily at women. This paper discusses some of the projects
undertaken by women in Southwest (SW) Province, Cameroon, both on an individual basis
and in groups aimed at protecting the environment and improving their socio-economic
situation, as well as gaining time for leisure and increased training opportunities. Some
preliminary results are presented, highlighting some of the successes and associated problems.
Key words: Women, poverty, deforestation, environment protection, non-wood forest
products
1. Introduction
In Cameroon, poverty and hardship, following changes in foreign trade balances deepened in
the early 1990s with devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994 bringing further economic
difficulties. This "economic crisis" caused mass redundancy in the public and private sectors,
dismissals, salary cuts, early retirement and freezing of assets, arrears and debts owed to
people, particularly civil servants. Many people turned to farming to sustain their families and
consequently there has been significant urban to rural migration. As forests have been cleared
for subsistence agriculture, the availability of products from the original forest such as
firewood, forest fruits, vegetables, leaves for wrapping, nuts, seeds, spices, medicines,
stimulants or craft materials has been reduced. In addition, organised, yet illegal, fuelwood
merchants have destroyed private farms and forest reserves in public lands often felling trees,
including fruit and coffee trees to supply the market for fuelwood which sold at increasing
prices because of the high demand. Large trucks with firewood towering high in tottering
vehicles have become a common feature of our towns and cities.
To halt this fast-deteriorating situation, a new forestry law was passed in Cameroon in 1994 to
define measures to be taken to ensure the wise management of forestry resources. The new
measures call for the equitable sharing of benefits, the sustainable and viable use of resources,
the enhancement of effective popular participation and the need for more effective
partnerships to surmount environmental difficulties. In particular, the new legislation has
targeted women as playing an increasingly important role in forest conservation and rural
development initiatives.
2. Organisation
2. Women's groups began timidly in colonial days and, although becoming stagnant in the 1970s
and 1980s, have gained much ground in terms of numbers, intensity of activities and political
importance in recent years. Growing interest in women's active role in development in the last
few years culminated in a massive participation and contribution of Cameroon women at
Dakar, 1994, and at the Beijing Conference in 1995.
There are many international NGOs with a strong presence in Cameroon, such as the
Associated Country Women of the World, International Council of Women, the International
Federation of Business and Professional Women, Soroptimist International, the Association
for Creative Teaching which was succeeded by Business Enterprise Development
(ACT/BEDO). There is also a plethora of local community-based organisations, common
initiative groups and co-operatives. Many of these groups are involved in environmental
activities linking the desire for forest conservation with the need to support the family unit
from forest-based activities.
3. Women and the cultivation of forest products
The cultivation of fuelwood trees and other forest products by women seemed to be a
practical way to help solve one aspect of the environmental destruction by reducing the
pressure on the harvesting of wild stocks whilst providing substantial benefits to the family or
group concerned. Involving women in large numbers in the cultivation and distribution of a
wide variety of forest products seemed to make sense because women constituted the vast
majority of both farmers and end-users of many of the products concerned.
3.1. Fuelwood
Fish, especially dried fish, a local staple in many parts of Cameroon, has become very
expensive because firewood and charcoal are becoming rather scarce and difficult to obtain.
Women often have to travel far into the hills to collect twigs or wait for the firewood dealers,
illegal timber merchants, to bring the overloaded vehicles with their merchandise. Many
women's groups identified the need and desire to cultivate fast-growing fuelwood species on
their farms. To address this need, a joint Limbe Botanic Garden and Women in
Development/Business Environment Development initiative began in 1994 with funding from
Africa 2000 and, more recently, the Rainforest Alliance.
The project began with the selection and construction of a permanent nursery. Once this was
established, suitable species were selected, seed material for propagation was obtained and
many thousands of seedlings were raised. Technical training for extension workers and other
interest groups as well as advice on planting and care preceded the distribution of the
seedlings to a wide range of women's groups, often in demonstration workshops. The extent
of planting and preliminary results are discussed below. In addition to the distribution of
seedlings, improved wood stoves have also been introduced to ensure fuel wood economy by
both domestic and commercial users.
3.2. Medicinal plants, stimulants and spices
Many forest products which were once cheaply obtained in the market are becoming
increasingly scarce and prohibitively expensive. It has long been proposed that many of these
products could be easily cultivated in home gardens for both subsistence use and possible
sale. In a series of workshops, a wide range of forest products were introduced to many
women's groups during excursions to the Botanic Gardens, where they could see for
3. themselves the possibility of cultivating many of the plants they knew well from the forest.
This was especially the case with many medicinal plants, notably those species of a "general"
nature, stimulants such as kola nuts and a number of forest spices, many of which are integral
to Cameroonian cuisine. This has led to a visible increase in the expanding of many kitchen
gardens and compound farms, both in terms of size and diversity. Many of the women
involved in this activity state that the benefits include a drop in health care expenditure as
more traditional home remedies are available. In addition, the high value of many medicinal
plants, local spices and kola nuts mean that a surplus beyond immediate home consumption
provides a significant income to the household and many of these products are prepared,
packaged and sold in local shops or market stalls.
A number of medicinal and spice tree crops, including Prunus africana, have also been
successfully introduced into capital extensive cultivation systems managed by women's
groups (see Nkefor et al., this volume). This is an indication that many of the co-operatives
are concerned with the long-term benefits of cultivation as well as immediate profits.
3.3. Fruit trees
A number of high-value and high-yielding fruit trees have been propagated as part of this
programme and distributed to many women's groups and individuals. Species such as bush
mango (Irvingia gabonensis) and bush plum (Dacryodes edulis) are extremely popular and
provide potential for income generation through the sale of surplus fruits after harvesting.
Figure 1. Non-Wood Forest products on sale at a local market (Photo: Antoine).
3.4. Eru (Gnetum africanum)
Foo-foo and eru is popular throughout Cameroon and is an important component of the
national cuisine. Demand for eru has reached the point that it is now being exported to
4. neighbouring countries like Nigeria and, from there, further afield to Europe and North
America (See Tabuna, this volume). The leaves of eru fetch very high prices and the high
demand has increased pressure on this non timber forest product which is fast becoming
locally extinct in many areas (See Shiembo, this volume). Cultivation trials have proved very
successful. Eru, as a fast growing climber using the planted trees as support, provides another
valuable component to the tree-planting programme.
4. Some Results
Target villages in SW Province: Activities and progress to date
Wovia Lysoke Munyenge Banga-Bakundu
2000: 600 2001: 2000: planting of 400 2000: 1st and 2nd
seedlings seedlings of distribution of 600
distributed but Distribution of 600 Cedrela Terminalia superba Prunus africana
were lost in odorata seedlings for and Cedrela odorata planted 5m apart in a 1
the nursery fuelwood. Planted between in forest completely hectare land inside a
stage. small-scale oil-palm and devastated by timber valley bounded on each
rubber farms. Height of plant exploitation. side by palm and
on inspection 3 metres rubber plantations.
(average). All plantings 2nd visit in 2002.
presently in good state. Trees in very good State of farm - 60%
condition, 98% survival, weedy. Small
2002: Distribution 450 of survival, fast growing family farm with
Prunus africana seedlings. at 1 metre annually; insufficient labour
Still in nursery provided by in a well managed force.
villagers due to late arrival of state.
rains. All in good state - will Trees of varying sizes
be planted soon following with a mean height of
planting demonstration 85cm.
workshop.
Advised on the need
for more labour,
clearing and mulching
with palm cones.
5. Conclusions
In many villages, women have difficulty owning land. The planting of trees on farmland is a
traditional claim to ownership for many cultural groups and this programme, through
encouraging women in planting trees, has also allowed them to own land for the first time.
In addition to problems of tenure, to improve the programme we need to:
· Encourage backyard/kitchen gardens and small tree plantations of NWFP;
· Encourage cultivation of marshes, riverbanks and fringes of villages;
· Use easily managed multipurpose tree-seedlings known to villagers for fuel and other uses
rather than exotic species, beginning with fast growing species for quick financial returns.