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How governance impacts non-timber forest product value chains in Cameroon

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  • Tieguhong, Julius Chupezi
  • Ingram, Verina
  • Mala, William Armand
  • Ndoye, Ousseynou
  • Grouwels, Sophie

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) comprise a diversity of natural resources that support livelihoods of those along the chain from harvester to traders. The Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) recognises the importance of NTFPs in alleviating poverty and conserving biodiversity and has proposed directives to aid member states to implement appropriate regulations. Data on the regulations governing the chain and its impacts were collected from literature, 12 small and medium enterprises trading an NTFP known as okok (Gnetum spp.) from the production forests to the port of export in Cameroon, and workshops. Laws were bureaucratically, arbitrarily and weakly implemented and enforced. Of 18,368 financial transactions recorded, 81% were bribes, comprising 34% of trader's costs. Corruption in the permit system further creates high transaction costs, negative environmental impacts due to illegal and over-exploitation, and reduces government revenues. The regulatory framework does not promote an enabling business environment. Improvements in governance are imperative if the economic impact upon the livelihoods of thousands of people in the chain is to be maintained and enhanced to ensure sustainable trade. Recommendations to improve the sector in Cameroon include revisions in the regulatory framework and its implementation to increase transparency and counter corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Tieguhong, Julius Chupezi & Ingram, Verina & Mala, William Armand & Ndoye, Ousseynou & Grouwels, Sophie, 2015. "How governance impacts non-timber forest product value chains in Cameroon," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 1-10.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:61:y:2015:i:c:p:1-10
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2015.08.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Riyong Kim Bakkegaard & Martin Reinhardt Nielsen & Bo Jellesmark Thorsen, 2017. "Household determinants of bushmeat and eru (Gnetum africanum) harvesting for cash in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1425-1443, August.
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    6. Shackleton, C.M. & Adeyemi, O. & Setty, S., 2024. "Why are non-wood forest products still the poor relative in Global Forest Resources Assessments?," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    7. Harbi, Jun & Erbaugh, James Thomas & Sidiq, Mohammad & Haasler, Berthold & Nurrochmat, Dodik Ridho, 2018. "Making a bridge between livelihoods and forest conservation: Lessons from non timber forest products' utilization in South Sumatera, Indonesia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 1-10.
    8. Rosenfeld, Tomas & Pokorny, Benno & Marcovitch, Jacques & Poschen, Peter, 2024. "BIOECONOMY based on non-timber forest products for development and forest conservation - untapped potential or false hope? A systematic review for the BRAZILIAN amazon," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    9. Sharma, Ravi & Bharti, Nisha, 2020. "Non-timber Forest Products Value Chain Toward Sustainable Livelihood: Exploring Linkages and Trends Using Visual Optimization Network Analysis," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), vol. 17(2), December.
    10. Meinhold, Kathrin & Dumenu, William Kwadwo & Darr, Dietrich, 2022. "Connecting rural non-timber forest product collectors to global markets: The case of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    11. Nkemnyi, Mbunya Francis & De Herdt, Tom & Chuyong, George B. & Vanwing, Tom, 2016. "Reconstituting the role of indigenous structures in protected forest management in Cameroon," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 45-51.
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