Assessment of NTFP for the protection of the Ebo proposed national park

Context and background This study assessed the role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in supporting the livelihoods of communities around the proposed Ebo National Park in Cameroon and their contribution to biodiversity conservation. A survey was conducted with 1,000 households across 20 communities in three clans near the Ebo forest (Lognanga, Ndobiakat and Yingui). The results show that a diverse range of NTFPs are harvested in the landscape, with Ricinodendron heudelotii (Djansang), Garcinia kola (Bitter cola), and Corylus avellana (Kassew) being the most widely collected. These NTFPs provide significant social and economic value to the communities, with some products like Garcinia kola presenting high prices due to their medicinal and cultural importance. Goal and Objectives: The overall objective of this study is to assess the NTFPs for the protection of the Ebo proposed national park. Specifically, the study aims to: (1) Identify the NTFPs harvested by the communities; (2) Estimate the socio-economic value of NTFPs appropriated by different households; and (3) Evaluate the contribution of NTFPs to the protection of Ebo forest biodiversity. Methodology: During a period of 06 months, 1000 questionnaires were distributed to 20 communities around the Ebo proposed national park, precisely 50 questionnaires per community. These 20 communities were selected due to their proximity with the Ebo forest. Using this sampling method, the selected 20 communities constitute 03 clans, these are the Ndobiakat clan (07 communities), the Yingui clan (06 communities) and the Lognanga clan (07 communities). Results: The study found that the sustainable harvesting of NTFPs can foster community stewardship of the Ebo Forest, as it provides economic alternatives to unsustainable activities like logging and poaching. The revenue from NTFP sales can also be reinvested into community-led conservation initiatives. Overall, the research highlights the potential for integrating NTFP management with biodiversity protection strategies in the proposed Ebo National Park, benefiting both local livelihoods and ecosystem conservation.