This review of the current status of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Cameroon forms part of a
regional study on NTFPs in Central Africa, an initiative of the Forestry Research Network for ACP countries
(ACP-FORENET). Data and studies about NTFPs from 2004 to March 2010 were reviewed, filling the gap
since the last national and regional studies in 1998 and 2004. Comprehensive data about nationally
representative consumption, trade volumes and values exists only for some NTFPs. This absence explains
why data from the 1990s are often reiterated and large gaps remain in scientific knowledge about species
and the absence of sustainable consumption patterns and trade for many species. It also explains the
inconsistencies in regulations and policy making. The Cameroonian 1994 Forestry Law identifies and sets
out controls for ‘Special Forestry Products’, many of which are NTFPs. However it does not define NTFPs
nor is there an explicit logic in the selection of products or prioritisation of NTFPs to enable sustainable
management or monitoring.
A comprehensive list of the status of over 487 forest plants and 82 animals which provide non-timber
forest products was compiled. These were scored using five ‘’value’’ criteria to evaluate the level of
consumption, extent and volume of trade, multiple use of a species and use of multiple parts of a species,
and the level of vulnerability. From this long list, 45 NTFPs, shown in the table below, were identified as
‘’priority’’ or ‘’key’’, meaning that they were attributed the highest values. The valuation revealed that
there are at least 129 plant based products (consisting of over 59 species), which are highly valued for their
trade and economic aspects, and are also important for subsistence use, their socio-cultural relevance and
in maintaining environmental integrity. Fuelwood was classed as one product but in practice is comprised
of many species which together have the highest estimated economic and social value. It is however the
most neglected product in terms of data available. Other key plant products are predominantly used for
food and oils (67%), followed by medicinal products (60%), with 20% having strong cultural connotations,
and 13% of species also used for timber. In all, 67% of these key species have multiple uses. For the animal
based NTFPs, the valuation exercise indicated that 42 species were the most used and highly valued. These
animals are predominately used for food and were classed together as ‘bushmeat’, comprised largely of
smaller mammals, birds, snakes and a range of insects. Apiculture products produced by bees (Apis
mellifera), mainly honey and wax, were also rated with a high value, due to their multiple uses. The cultural
and decorative uses of animals usually animal parts, such as spines, furs and skins had a lower value rating.