Valorization of non-timber forest products in Mayo-Rey (North Cameroon)

Abstract

Objective: Studies were conducted to characterize the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from the locality of Mayo-Rey in the North Region of Cameroon for their subsequent domestication.

Methodology and Results: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 200 people drawn from four ethnic groups (Laka, Lamé, Peulh and Toupouri). This study has identified 107 plant species including 54 species food (vegetables, fruits and traditional drinks). The species Dioscorea bulbifera, Burnatia sp., Parkia biglobosa, Detarium microcarpum, Adansonia digitata, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ziziphus mauritiana, Ximenia americana and Vitex doniana were identified as major species of this town, due to their socio-economic importance. Plant parts used in the diet are descending fruits (53.70%), seeds (25.92%), leaves (22.22%), tubers (16.66%), the flowers (3.70%) and other (3.7%).Analyses on food uses indicates that 40 respondents use them as recipes involve fruits and 11 use them to prepare sauce. Three (3) species are commonly used for the preparation of pap, 8 species for the preparation of cuscus and 3 species for the preparation drink.

Conclusion and application of results: The exploitation of these species remains traditional, sometimes leading to overexploitation of the resource and therefore a loss of biodiversity. For sustainable management of these resources, domestication of preferred species could be considered.

Keywords: NTFP, Biodiversity, Domestication, Mayo-Rey