Introduction to and preliminary planning phase for systematic support to NTFP based enterprise development in RDC



Three sites were selected in Democratic Republic of Congo for the implementation of the project: Kinshasa, Equateur and Bas-Congo provinces.

The project has focused in three non-wood forest products, selected for its potential commercial value:

- Honey

- Fumbwa (Gnetum spp.)

- Safou (Dacryodes edulis)



Main results/outputs achieved within the project in the year 2007 in RDC

Intermediate Result 1: Capacity building of small and medium scale enterprises enhanced and sustained
Training on Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The training organised in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was attended by 15 people, including the Regional and the National Coordinator, the Lead Technical Officer of the project, the Associate Professional Officer, the 6 local technical advisors (CTL) for Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo, and field technicians from other FAO projects. The Local technical advisors have applied the MA & D tools during the training’s field component and have consequently developed their work plans for implementing MA&D phase 1 in Cameroon and DRC.
Market Analysis and Development (MA & D) aims at assisting rural communities and other stakeholders develop income generating enterprises while managing their resources in a sustainable way. MA & D is a process that systematically considers social and environmental concerns while also taking into account the commercial, financial and technological issues related to the development of small enterprises. MA & D is participatory because it continuously involves rural communities throughout the process, from identification and planning of forest enterprises to the sustainable management of their resources.

Intermediate result 2: Value chains of major NWFP are developed and sustained
Trade of gnetum in RDC

Study of production, marketing and consumption of major NWFP
A mission carried out in August 2007 in the Democratic Republic of Congo provided useful information on the potential partners of the project and insight in honey, safou (Dacryodes edulis) and Gnetum spp. value chains. The main production zones of safou and honey in the province of Bas-Congo were identified as well as the constraints that affect various value chains. There is a real need for capacity building in enterprise development, value addition and quality enhancement to meet international standards.

Organize meetings with different participants involved in the relevant value chains

  • The project participated in various workshops to inform participants on the economic potential of NWFP and small-scale forest enterprises and their contribution to the economic development of Central Africa
  • On December 10, Kinshasa, meeting to launch project activities and restitution of Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) training in DRC, attended by the FAO Representative in DRC, Mr Musa Saihou Mbenga; the secretary general of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Kalambayi wa Kabongo; the Director of forest management, Ntanbwe Mutindi; the Secretary General of small and medium enterprises at the Ministry of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Suaka-Nzeza na Bembo; and the focal point of the Forestry Commission of Central Africa (COMIFAC).


    • Intermediate result 3: A functioning legal and institutional framework is adapted to NWFP actors and enterprises in Central Africa
  • The project participated in a workshop organised by another FAO project to discuss the guidelines for harmonizing NWFP legal framework in Central Africa and made a presentation in plenary on “Major constraints to the legal framework affecting NWFP in Central Africa.” Participants were informed on the major legal and institutional challenges that affect the NWFP sector in Central Africa. Indeed small and medium forest based enterprises will never develop if the legal and institutional framework are not favourable to them.
  • Once the guidelines are approved (COMIFAC’s meeting of experts positively advised to this effect) during the upcoming board meeting of Ministers in charge of forests of Central Africa, the project will start working on the improvement of the legal framework according to the guidelines and develop appropriate legal instruments through a product-oriented, multi-stakeholder approach in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The methodological approach will be adapted to other countries in Central Africa.

    Training activities organised

  • Study tour organised in collaboration with another FAO project attended by 30 participants.
  • Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) training in Democratic Republic of Congo attended by 15 participants.
  • Launching of project activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo attended by 30 participants.

    • MA&D training in RDC

    Reports available on this project

  • Rapport de l’atelier sur la vulgarisation des techniques de transformation de safou (Dacryodes edulis) à partir de l’expérience camerounaise 
  • Etude de base de la filiere fumbwa (Gnetum spp.) en RDC (2009) 
  • Summary of activities 
  • Report: Honey

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    Video: Market Analysis and Development: forest-based communities apply the methodology in Bas Congo 

     

     

    For further information please contact:

    Useni Kembolo Marcel
    National Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of Congo
    936 Blvd du 30 Juin
    BP 16096, Gombe, Kinshasa 1
    Telephone: +243 81 260 6089
    Telefax: +243 81 146 8353
    Email: usenimarcel@yahoo.fr

    		___________

    Sophie Grouwels
    Forestry Officer
    Forest Policy & Economics Team
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
    Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
    00153 Rome, Italy
    Phone: +39 06 57055299
    Telefax: +39 06 57055514
    E-mail: Sophie.Grouwels@fao.org
    last updated:  Tuesday, October 18, 2011