About Non-wood forest products country site

NWFP country profiles have been compiled in order to present country-wise information on the socio-economic importance and ecological impact of NWFP utilization.

The country profiles consist of two parts:
  1. A descriptive text identifying NWFP of main importance on the national level and providing general information on aspects such as resource base, management system, harvesting methods, resource access and property rights. The text also includes product specific information on plants and plant products (e.g. food, medicinal plants, exudates) as well as animals and animal products (e.g. honey and beeswax, bushmeat);
  2. A table presenting quantitative key information on NWFP, including the references used.

NWFP country profiles are currently available for African countries. Profiles for countries in other regions (e.g. Caribbean, Near East and Asia) will be included soon.

This Web site has been realized thanks to the funding of the EC­FAO Partnership Programme "Data Collection and Analysis for Sustainable Forest Management in ACP Countries". The content is based on available information at FAO Headquarters in Rome. Further information was provided by Mrs M. Karmann (University of Freiburg, Germany).

What are non-wood forest products?

NWFP are products of biological origin other than wood derived from forests, other wooded land and trees outside forests.

NWFP may be gathered from the wild, or produced in forest plantations, agroforestry schemes and from trees outside forests.

Examples of NWFP include products used as food and food additives (edible nuts, mushrooms, fruits, herbs, spices and condiments, aromatic plants, game), fibres (used in construction, furniture, clothing or utensiles), resins, gums, and plant and animal products used for medicinal, cosmetic or cultural purposes.