Economic Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products Favored by the Local Populations of the Ziama Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) of plant origin play a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods in tropical forest regions. This study aimed to assess the economic value of priority plant-based NTFPs exploited by local populations living around the Ziama Biosphere Reserve (ZBR), southeastern Guinea. An ethnobotanical survey using structured and semi-structured interviews was conducted with 110 household heads. Results showed that NTFP exploitation is predominantly undertaken by men (63.64%). Among the identified species, Laccosperma secundiflorum (P. Beauv.) Kuntze, Eremospatha macrocarpa (G. Mann & H. Wendl.), and the fruits of Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. were the most economically important due to their high market demand and profitability. These products are generally sold in bundles or by weight, providing a significant source of household income. Annual income derived from these priority NTFPs ranged from 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 GNF (approximately 200,000 - 606,500 FCFA). Income generated from NTFP exploitation was primarily allocated to food, children’s education, healthcare, and clothing. The findings highlight the strong economic dependence of local communities on a limited number of plant-based NTFPs and underscore the need for sustainable management strategies, including regulated harvesting and domestication, to ensure the long-term availability of these resources.