ACTIVITÉS PRINCIPALES

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


Rattan measurements

Based on the recommendations of the "Expert consultation on Rattan development" (see above), a publication on the harmonization of existing measurement concepts and methodologies for rattan resources inventories and for accurate collection of statistics on rattan products is being developed.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Non-Wood News 16, January 2008

The guest article in this issue, on "Forest apiculture", has been authored by Dr. Nicola Bradbear, a leading expert in apiculture. The Special Features section covers "NWFPs in the Pacific Islands" and the "History of NWFPs".


Non-Wood Forest Products 18 - World Bamboo Resources - A thematic study prepared in the framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005

This publication is the result of one of the thematic studies prepared during the Forest Resources Assessment (FRA)

NWFP Working Document No. 6 - Trade measures - Tools to promote the sustainable use of NWFP? An assessment of trade related instruments influencing the international trade in Non-Wood Forest Products and associated management and livelihood strategies

Additional case study: National Analysis of Trade-Related Instruments Influencing Trade in Sandalwood (Santalum macgregorii F. Muell) and Eaglewood (Acquilaria. and Gyrinops ledermannii spp): Applications and Impacts on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Forest Management in Papua New Guinea

This is an assessment of trade-related instruments influencing the international trade in NWFP and associated management and livelihood strategies. It includes two case studies covering four products: Boliva (cayman and Brazil nuts) and Cameroon (parrots and Prunus africana).

Produits Forestiers non ligneux - Document de travail No. 5 - Gestion des ressources naturelles fournissant les produits forestiers non ligneux alimentaires en Afrique Centrale

This paper has been produced within the framework of FAO Project "Enhancing the contribution of non-wood forest products to food security in Central Africa" GCP/RAF/398/GER

Produits Forestiers non ligneux - Document de travail No. 4 - Les perspectives de la certification des produits forestiers non ligneux en Afrique Centrale

This paper has been produced within the framework of FAO Project "Enhancing the contribution of non-wood forest products to food security in Central Africa" GCP/RAF/398/GER

Wild edible fungi for food security: their role and sustainable use

This publication documents the role of NWFP in food security. It is available in English, Spanish and French. More >>>


FAO Forest harvesting case-study 23 - The impact of timber harvesting on the availability of non-wood forest products in the congo basin

This study seeks to examine the impact of timber harvesting in two villages, one in Cameroon and one in the Central African Republic. It documents many plant-based and animal-based NWFPs of great signifi cance to the livelihoods of the local populations in terms of food security, income generation and health. (E) (F)

FORTHCOMING PUBLICATIONS

Bees and their role in forest livelihoods (working title)

This publication will shortly be available in our NWFP series and is a guide to the services provided by bees and the sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of their products.

The role of CITES in international trade in forest products. Links to sustainable forest management.

This will be published as an NWFP working document. It is being finalized to reflect the decisions taken at CITES CoP 13.

Standards and certification of Non-Wood Forest Products.

This will be published as an NWFP working document and will include case studies from Bolivia, Germany, Ghana and Namibia.

NWFP and food security

Various NWFP such as fruits, leaves, bark or bushmeat contribute to food security. The importance of NWFP for food security will be described in a brochure.


RECENT ACTIVITIES

Backstopping of Technical Cooperation Project "Institutional support to promote the sustainable use and management of non-wood forest products in Cameroon" (TCP/CMR/2905 (A))

FAO was requested to assist the Government of the Republic of Cameroon in the development of their non-wood forest products (NWFP) sector. The project will analyse the NWFP sector, elaborate recommendations for the sustainable management and use of selected products and will contribute to the elaboration and implementation of a national strategy and action plan. The FAO NWFP programme is the lead technical unit responsible for the technical implementation of the project. More>>>


Backstopping of Technical Cooperation Project "Revitalisation of the production and commercialisation of gum arabic in Niger" (TCP/NER/0066)

FAO was requested to assist the Nigerien government in the elaboration of a national strategy in order to improve and strengthen the national gum arabic sector. The FAO NWFP was the lead technical unit responsible for the technical implementation of the TCP. More>>>

Dernier ajournement : 22/02/2008
FAO - Forest Products and Economics Division Tina Etherington
dernière mise à jour: lundi 4 août 2008