Non-timber forest products and their contributions on the income of local residents in the Douala- Edea Wildlife Reserve of Cameroon

The Douala-Edea Wildlife reserve rich in biodiversity is a reservoir for the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These products are involved in the management of natural resources by providing additional income to households. This study examines the effect or contribution of NTFPs in household incomes of local residents in the reserve and has as objective to identify and evaluate the marketing of these products in the Douala-Edea reserve. The method used was based on surveys of people who practice on a daily bases the collection, marketing and consumption of NTFPs in order to determine species, harvested products and the quantities extracted from the forest. A second survey was conducted in two local markets (Mouanko and Dehaene) located in the periphery of the reserve to determine the market value of harvested forest products. A total of 18 species have been identified as NTFPs. 100% of the plants serve for human consumption as seeds (60%), fruits (30%), sap (5%), and the simultaneous use of seeds and fruits (5%). Women and children are involved in the collection and marketing, while men are associated with children only to collect. The NTFPs estimates obtained in the surveys in March and October 2012 showed 3 tonnes and 4 tonnes of Ricinodendron heudelotii, 200 and 300 kg of Irvingia gabonensis, 100 and 200 kg of Coula edulis, 500 and 800 kg of Baillonella toxisperma. NTFPs market value varied in dollars between 800 $ and 1600 $ for C. edulis 600 $ to 800 $ for R. heudelotii, 150 $ to 1600 $ in B. toxisperma, and 400 $ to 800 $ for I. gabonensis. This represents about 39% of household income in these forest zones.   Key words: NTFPs, Protected area, management, market value, inhabitants.