Conservation and trade dynamics of non-timber forest products in local markets in south western Cameroon

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are vital for rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in tropical forest regions. The unsustainable harvesting of NTFPs in Cameroon’s tropical forests threatens biodiversity and rural livelihoods, necessitating an urgent evaluation of trade dynamics and conservation practices to ensure long-term ecological and economic sustainability. This study examines NTFP trade dynamics, usage, and conservation practices across four local markets (Muea, Mapanja, Batoke, and Etome) in a biodiversity-rich tropical forest region of Cameroon. Employing a triangulation approach, the study integrated quantitative data from structured questionnaires (n=62) with qualitative insights from six focus group discussions to characterize NTFP types, quantities, frequencies, and associated conservation practices across age groups. Findings reveal that white pepper (27.7%) and njangsang (25.5%) dominate trade, with balanced supply and demand (p=0.288). Conservation practices, including selective harvesting and latex tapping, vary significantly by age (p=2.2×10⁻¹⁶), with older adults (60–79 years) showing a near-universal adherence to sustainable methods, while the middle-aged (30–59 years) and younger (0–29 years) groups exhibit a moderate adoption. NTFPs contribute substantially to household income, with 38.5% of respondents earning 11,000–20,000 FCFA daily. However, the heavy reliance on wild collection (p=0.001) over farming highlights sustainability challenges. These findings underscore the need for targeted environmental education and NTFP cultivation initiatives to balance economic benefits with biodiversity conservation. It offers critical insights for policymakers and conservationists to promote sustainable NTFP management in tropical forest ecosystems.