Project 'Enhancing Food Security through Non-wood Forest Products in Central Africa'.

The utilization and commercialization of non-wood forest products (NWFP) fosters food security in Central Africa. Important NWFP include edible plants, medicinal plants and rattan. The valorisation of NWFP offers an opportunity for rural populations and other stakeholders to increase their incomes based on the sustainable management of forest resources. FAO has been requested to support Central African countries to identify and implement policy measures in order to promote the sustainable management of NWFP and to equally share the benefits from their exploitation and utilization. More>>>

Information dissemination

One of the major activities of the programme is information dissemination. We produce a biannual newsletter - Non-Wood News - and a monthly electronic e-letter - the NWFP-Digest. In addition, we respond to requests from the public for information on a great variety of topics related to NWFP.

Analysis of the relevance and applicability of certification and benefit-sharing mechanisms in the field of NWFP.

NWFP have only recently been incorporated in certification and benefit-sharing mechanisms related to sustainable forest management, organic farming or fair trade. The relevance of these mechanisms for the sustainable use of NWFP will be analysed and the methods used to assess the sustainable production and commercialization of NWFP will be documented by this programme activity. More>>>

Improvement of the availability of statistical data on the production, consumption and trade of NWFP at the national level

Sound information on the socio-economic importance and ecological impact of the utilization of NWFP is seriously missing. In order to improve data availability on NWFP, the NWFP Programme compiles so-called country profiles on NWFP for countries in Asia, Near East, Africa and the Caribbean. In addition, pilot studies are carried out, which aim at elaborating appropriate methodologies on data collection and analysis related to NWFP. More>>>

Development of NWFP inventory guidelines for African ACP countries

The purpose of this activity is to contribute to sustainable forest management in African ACP countries by developing and testing practical guidelines for the assessment of forest resources providing NWFP. Such guidelines will enable national forestry administrations to implement improved and regular monitoring of the NWFP resource base and develop sustainable harvesting regimes in partnership with local and indigenous communities.

Analysis and evaluation of the socio-economic contribution of selected NWFP to rural people

Case studies will be carried on Gnetum africaanum, caterpillars and bushmeat, in order to document the contribution of NWFP to food security and poverty allevation