Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Exploitation of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Eastern Part of DR Congo

Version 1 : Received: 27 December 2022 / Approved: 30 December 2022 / Online: 30 December 2022 (08:34:09 CET)

How to cite: MUGISHO, S.M.; Muhindo, D.I.; Balezi, A.Z.; Ndeko, J.B.; Imani, G.M.; Teteli, C.S.; Cizungu, L.N. Exploitation of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Eastern Part of DR Congo. Preprints 2022, 2022120575. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202212.0575.v1 MUGISHO, S.M.; Muhindo, D.I.; Balezi, A.Z.; Ndeko, J.B.; Imani, G.M.; Teteli, C.S.; Cizungu, L.N. Exploitation of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Eastern Part of DR Congo. Preprints 2022, 2022120575. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202212.0575.v1

Abstract

Forests are a large reservoir of biodiversity on which riparian populations frequently rely. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an important source of income for millions of people living in forest-adjacent communities. This study aims at characterizing the types and uses of NTFPs in order to determine whether their exploitation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is sustainable. Interviews and direct observation were carried out with NTFP stakeholders (harvesters, sellers, and consumers) in Kalonge, near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The results showed that 40 NTFPs of plant origin and 10 NTFPs of animal origin are commonly exploited and used in food and traditional medicine. The most common NTFP harvesting techniques are debarking, picking, digging up, felling, and wine extraction, which are all tailored to the plant part. A significant relationship (p-value< 0.001) has been established between the types of NTFPs used and harvesting methods as well as between the types of NTFPs used and organs retrieved. NTFP products are mainly obtained from the natural forest KBNP but also in the woodland, trees grown outside of forest or through domestication. Their abundance, however, is hampered by the extraction of wood for charcoal, energy, and timber, as well as agricultural expansion. The supply of NTFPs is determined by the market demand for the products, the nature of the product, and the ease of disposal. The NTFPs value chain in Kalonge is important to the local economy, however exploitation of NTFP products remains uncontrolled and should be well managed to ensure sustainability.

Keywords

NTFP; sustainable exploitation; use of NTFP

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.