Caspa Roseline Gusua, Tchouamo Isaac Roger , Mate Mweru Jean Pierre and Amang Mbang Joseph
This study examines the supply chain of two major Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), Irvingia gabonensis and Aframomum pruinosum around the Lobeke National Park in Cameroon. A survey was carried out in eight villages (Mambele, Yenga, Dioula, Mbateka, Mbangoye, Kika, Koumela and Libongo) with 152 producers and four markets (Yokadouma, Libongo, Kika and Moloundou) with 120 traders. Data were analyzed using the SAS statistical package Version 9.0, with the General Linear Model Procedure (GLM) and the Student-Newman-Keuls test used to compare the means at the level of α = 5 %. The producers collect the fruits from the forest and transform, while the intermediaries (primary wholesalers, secondary wholesalers and retailers) move the products to the market and to consumers. The annual mean profit per producer of I. gabonensis almonds in Kika (FCFA 238 344) was significantly higher than those of producers in the other villages while the annual mean profit per producer of A. pruinosum in Libongo (FCFA 104 730) was significantly higher than those of producers in the other villages. The annual mean profit per trader of I. gabonensis in Yokadouma (FCFA 575 896) was significantly higher than that of traders in Libongo (FCFA 240 000) whereas traders of A. pruinosum which was sold only in Yokadouma earned a mean profit of FCFA 262 310. The major problems of producers were low prices (51%) and lack of capital (50 %) whereas the major problems of traders were insufficient supply of products (93 %), few customers (81 %) and storage losses (69 %). The development of a market information system, better techniques for the processing and preservation of NTFPs and the development of the road network in the area will enhance trade in these NTFP
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