Assessing the distribution, exploitation and marketing of bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) in and around the Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon
Abstract
The harvest, cultivation and marketing of bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is one of the promising economic activities
in the Kimbi Fungom National Park today. Though it has a seasonal market, it is very much appreciable in terms of
economic viability of the population. This paper is set to assess the harvest rate, the cultivation and the economic benefit
of bush mango in and around the Kimbi Fungom National park, Cameroon. The study employ the use of transects and
reccee walk to assess the distribution of the plant in the forest, structured questionnaires, interviews and focus group
discussion to assess the exploitation and marketing of bush mango. The park was divided into 20 blocks and 10 blocks
were selected in lowland area of the park for this flora survey in which the Bush mango plants were sorted. In each
block, a 1 km line transect was established with 5 quadrates of 20 × 20 m. These transects were laid to cut across the
lowland rainforest where the presence of bush mango is found. A reccee survey was also employed in which preexisting
roads in the forest were followed. Purposeful sampling was also employed where bush mango dealers were identified
and interviewed across the 10 selected villages in the park. Questionnaires were purposefully distributed and focus
groups were organized with those involved in harvesting, cultivation and trading. A total of 300 questionnaires were
administered in 10 villages that are 30 per village. Interviews were granted to the chiefs, farmers, hunters, forest guards
and traders of bush mango. Results revealed that half of the park occupants are involved in the bush mango exploitation,
0.3% involved in the cultivation and 10% involved in trading. Average price range between 7500 FRS and 9500 FRS per
5 litre and 90% of the products is sold to Nigeria across the Taraba State and 10% returned to Cameroonian territory.
The naira is the main currency used for exchange. Accessibility through the River Katsina Ala accounted for the easy
trade with Nigerians than the steep hills and poor route network into the Cameroon communities. It is however
recommended that with the increasing exploitation and cultivation, the trade could be harmonized for a better sales
and economic benefits.
Keywords: Assessing; Distribution; Exploitation; marketing Bush mango; Purposefully
An Evaluation of Bush Meat Harvest in the Kimbi Fungom National Park, North West Region, Cameroon
Abstract
Bush meat flourish local and international markets in and around the Kimbi Fungom National Park with increasing
national and international demands. Despite this, very little or nothing is done to eradicate this bush meat syndrome. This project is designed to evaluate bush meat harvest and method used in and around the park. To achieve this, the study employed the use of questionnaires, interviews, field observation and focus group discussion to collect the data from February, 2021 to June, 2021. Competent field assistants and community guides were purposefully selected and trained on the collection of socio-economic data pertaining to bushmeat harvest. This was done during the sensitization meetings in 10 communities held in February 2021. A questionnaire and interview guide was designed. The questionnaire was designed in two parts; part one captured bushmeat markets, routes and supply chain while part two captured the quantity of bushmeat harvested in the area per season. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered in the 10 communities. We selected one hunter from each village to lead the research team based on their popularity and position held in the hunting circle. Results revealed that a total of 1837 animals were harvested during the study period. From the total number, 52.15% were harvested in the rainy season while 47.85% were harvested in the dry season. The highest harvested species was the cane rate (417), porcupine (343) and pangolins (292). Gunshots and snare wires were identified as the main method employed by hunters in the harvest of the bush meat in the park. It was recommended among other things that in as much as bush meat harvest carried out in the park, government and conservation initiatives should increase the security of threatened, endangered and critically endangered species in the park.
Keywords: Evaluation, bushmeat, harvest, flourish, National Park
