Organizers: James Chamberlain (U.S. Forest Service), Carsten Smith-Hall (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) & Tytti Sarjala (Finnish Forest Research Institute, Finland)
Potentials of Raphia hookeri wine in livelihood sustenance among rural and urban populations in Nigera. Aiyeloja, A., Oladele, A. (University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; aiyeloja@yahoo.com; adekunle.oladele@uniport.edu.ng).
Raphia wine is an important forest product with cultural signifi cance besides its use as medicine and food in southern Nigeria.
This work attempts to evaluate the profi tability of Raphia wine production and marketing in Sapele Local Government Area. Four communities (Sapele, Ogiede, Okuoke and Elume) were randomly selected for data collection via questionnaires among producers and marketers. A total of 50 producers and 34 marketers were randomly selected for interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, profi tability analysis, multiple regression and rate of returns on investment (RORI). Total weekly profi t was highest in Okuoke (Producers – N90,000, Marketers – N70,000) and least in Sapele (Producers N50,000, Marketers – N45,000).
Multiple regression showed that location was signifi cant (0.000, ρ ≤ 0.05) on profi t margins. RORI were Elume (66.7%), Okuoke (50.0%), Ogiede (42.9%) and Sapele (25%). Both males (58.8%) and females (41.2%) invest in Raphia wine marketing, while males (100.0%) dominate production. Results show that Raphia wine has potential to generate household income, enhance food security and improve life quality of rural and semi-urban communities. Improved marketing channels, storage facilities and credit facilities via cooperative groups were recommended for producers and marketers by concerned agencies.
Quantitative approach of Sterculia setigera Del. (Sterculiaceae) ethnobatanical uses among rural communities in Togo (West Africa). Atakpama, W., Batawila, K. (University of Lomé, Togo; wouyoatakpama@gmail.com;
batawilakomlan@yahoo.com), Gnamkoulamba, A. (National Institute of Agricultural Education (INFA) of Tové, Togo;
atamag@yahoo.fr), Akpagana, K. (University of Lomé, Togo; koffi 2100@gmail.com).
The relationship between human beings, their culture, and their environment has high importance in the frame of sustainable management of natural resources. This study aimed to assess the local uses of Sterculia setigera within rural communities in Togo. The methodology followed during this study was based on inquiries. Fifteen ethnic groups were involved. The interethnic convergence was assessed by using four use indices: reported use, plant part value, specifi c reported use, and intraspecifi c use value. The mean reported uses showed signifi cant difference between geographic zones, ethnic groups, age, and occupations; but no signifi cant difference between genders was found. Pharmacopeia (67.00%), followed by magico-mystic (15.23%), and food (10.43%) were the main quoted uses. The most used organ is the bark. Decoction was mentioned as the most used method of preparation. Considering the socio-economic and cultural importance of this species, it is important to promote its integration in agroforestry systems.
Management criteria for non-wood forest products of vegetable origin of importance in the sociocultural context.
Barrizonte, A.N. (Instituto de Investigaciones Agroforestales (INAF), Cuba; adolfo@forestales.co.cu), Figueras, Y.B. (Universidad de Pinar del Río, Cuba; betancourt@af.upr.edu.cu).
Categories and uses of non-wood forest products (NWFP) of vegetable origin used in the “Regla Ocha” cult are defi ned. This defi nition is based on a diagnosis of the current situation and a characterization of the community of Unión de Reyes, Matanzas, Cuba, of African descent, with its cult and consumption practices regarding NWFPs obtained from semi-deciduous forests growing on chalky soil in the named territory. Interviews, direct observation and documentary research confi rm the use of 14 categories of NWFPs in the cult, obtained from 453 plant species of the country, distributed over 114 botanical families and 361 genera. In the studied forest, species, categories and uses that are most widely distributed in numbers are identifi ed, and the economic value of these NWFPs in the territory is evaluated. Anthropic disturbances caused by the free collection of these products and their incidence in degrading wooded areas are described. The results obtained allowed to evaluate the importance of NWFPs in the sociocultural context and the formulation of management criteria for NWFPs of vegetable origin used in the context of the “Regla Ocha” cult.
Recovery of boldo (Peumus boldus), specie of high value in the fi eld of the NWFP through intensive management.
Benedetti, S., González, M. Hormazabal, M., Salinas, A. (Instituto Forestal de Chile, Chile; sbenedet@infor.cl; mgonzale@infor.
cl; mhormazabal@infor.cl; asalinas@infor.cl).
The value of boldo (Peumus boldus Mol.), an endemic species from Chile, is given by its leaves, which were tradtionally used from the pre-Columbian era for digestive and medicinal purposes. The leaves have many active components present in them, with the alkaloid “boldine” being the most known. Export of the leaves begun in the beginning of the twentieth century, with exponen-tial growth in Latin American, American and European markets. However, its commercial utilization has impacted the structure, distribution and surface of boldo, with its consequent degradation. With the objective of ensuring their sustainability, the species was evaluated during fi ve years three intensities of harvest: 35, 65 and 100% removal of basal area. The experimental design corresponds to a systematic design with three replications and plots of 1000 m2. The analysis was carried out using a longitudinal analysis using statistical linear mixed models. This analysis allows for the identifi cation of the average effect of the treatment (intervention), the effect of time, and the interaction time per treatment. The results show a high recovery of the individuals at a higher intensity of management, greater increases in height, neck diameter and diameter at breast height, biomass, the amount of regrowth and better recovery of the individuals.
Ethnobotany of palms (Arecacea) in communities of Bajo Calima, Colombia. Bocanegra-Gonzalez, K., Mendez, F.F.
(Universidad del Tolima, Colombia; kellynda7_7@hotmail.com; fmendez@ut.edu.co).
Palms are the main source of non-wood forest products (NWFP), and in Colombia there is a great diversity and they are widely distributed. This study was carried out in three human settlements of Bajo Calima. Inhabitants were interviewed about the traditions and uses of the Arecaceae family, a photographic register was prepared showing the products and the processes of their preparation; a plot of 1ha was established in a secondary forest adjacent to the three communities. The palms were counted and measured; the simplifi ed importance value index was calculated and compared to uses, demands and supply of the species.
312 individuals of 13 species were registered. 80% is used for food, the rest for construction, crafts and medicines. On average, each species is used for food to an extent of 35%. 70% of the NWFP are commercialized; the remaining 30% are for domestic use. The market is small and local. Finally, the study recommends establishing management activities that make it possible to guarantee the existence of the species which deliver an economic income and, thus, contribute to the livelihood of the community and fulfi ll an important ecological function in the ecosystem.
Co-managing Appalachian hardwood forests for timber and non-timber products. Chamberlain, J. (U.S. Forest Service, USA;
jchamberlain@fs.fed.us).
The forestry profession is supported by over 100 years of science-based knowledge on managing and growing trees, but it has very little information on managing herbaceous species. This presentation focuses on the ecological impact and implications of harvesting non-timber forest products on the forest ecology. It concentrates on three native herbaceous species: Panax quinequifolius (American ginseng), Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) and Allium tricoccum (ramps). The presentation examines the relationship of ginseng harvest to forest stand conditions to provide a means to focus conservation efforts for this medicinal forest product. Results of long-term studies of black cohosh are presented that illustrate the level of harvest that is unsustainable, as well as the relationship between forest canopy cover and plant growth. Changes in ramp populations, documented through long-term studies of sites that experience signifi cant harvesting events are presented. The relationship between tree canopy development and the development of ramps is analyzed to illustrate the timing of harvest to ensure optimal biomass production.
These examples set the stage for a discussion on the need to expand forest management to include the herbaceous plants in the understory.
Traditional knowledge of mushroom production in a changing world — case of Noto-Temari and dried shiitake-mushroom in Oku-noto Area, Japan. Kohsaka, R., Kohsaka, R. (Kanazawa University, Japan; kohsaka@hotmail.com;
tomiyoshi@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp), Hashimoto, S. (Kyoto University, Japan; hash@kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp), Saito, O. (United Nations University-Institute for Sustainability and Peace, Japan; saito@unu.edu).
This paper reviews the existing literature on mushroom production and outlines the challenges that local communities and farmers face at the micro-level. We further propose possible measures for these challenges. First, this article reviews offi cial statistic documents related to mushroom production in Japan. It elucidates the differences in production systems between the raw shiitake-mushroom and the dried shiitake-mushrooms. Secondly, we analyze the cause of increasing numbers of newcomers in mushroom production by focusing on an example of Noto-Temari, a newly-established raw shiitake-mushroom, in Ishikawa Prefecture, Oku-Noto area based on the fi eld survey conducted. Lastly, we widen the scope to the nationwide crisis of the shortage of shiitake-mushroom logs due to the Fukushima nuclear plant incident. Based on these reviews and analysis, we
explore the possibility of regenerating Satoyama forests by utilizing or “selling” experiences of mushroom production for tourists or urban residents.
Biological properties of a non wood forest product (Pistacia lentiscus fi xed oil) growing in Tunisia. Mezni, F. (National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests (INRGREF), Tunisia; faten-mez@hotmail.com), Miled, K. (Pasteur Institute of Tunisia, Tunisia; miledkhaled@yahoo.fr), Khouja, M. (INRGREF, Tunisia; khouja.medlarbi@iresa.agrinet.tn), Berdeaux, O. (National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), France; olivier.berdeaux@dijon.inra.fr), Maaroufi , A.
(Pasteur Institute of Tunisia, Tunisia; abderrazak.maaroufi @pasteur.rns.tn), Khaldi, A. (INRGREF, Tunisia; khalditn@yahoo.fr).
Pistacia lentiscus L. is a species known, in some Tunisian forest areas, by its fruit oil extracted by rural women. This oil is locally used for culinary purposes and in traditional medicine for stomach and pulmonary diseases and for wound healing. This natural product has an important role in generating household income in the poor forest zones. As the case with a lot of neglected non-wood forest products (NWFP), Pistacia lentiscus fi xed oil is poorly studied and it needs more valorization. Hence, we conducted investigations to valorize this oil through the study of its biochemical and biological properties. The biochemical characterization of Pistacia lentiscus fi xed oil showed that it contains an important amount of unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids. It has also a high antioxidant activity that refl ects it richness in antioxidants. The antimicrobial and wound healing activities and cytotoxicity of this oil were tested. The oil showed fungicidal and antimicrobial effects, especially against dermatophytes strains, a cytotoxicity against BHK21 cells, and an important wound healing effect. These fi ndings are consistent with its traditional uses. Such a study highlights the nutritional and pharmaceutical value of this NWFP. This valorization enhances the possibility of the forest species conservation.
Impact of bark and foliage harvesting on fruit production of the multipurpose tree species, Afzelia africana in Burkina Faso. Nacoulma, B. (University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; nblandine@gmail.com), Lykke, A. (Aarhus University, Denmark;
aml@dmu.dk), Sinsin, B. (University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin; bsinsin@gmail.com), Thiombiano, A. (University of Ouagadou-gou, Burkina Faso; adjima_thiombiano@yahoo.fr).
In sub-Saharan Africa, the need to meet daily livelihood has resulted in uncontrolled exploitation of bark and leaves of tree species for medicinal uses and livestock feeding. However, overharvesting of bark and foliage of valuable trees species is compromising the fruit production of the species and threatening their reproduction. This study evaluates the impact of debarking and pruning on the fruit production performance of Afzelia africana in Burkina Faso. We compared fruits and seeds borne at different harvest intensities on the base of fi eld investigation data. Data of fruit yields were randomly collected from 91 trees with a history of very severe, severe, weak and no-harvest intensities. Our results revealed that severe pruned trees as well as a weak debarked trees bore 50% to 70% lower and heavier fruits, and seeds than none-harvested trees. No signifi cant difference was detected between non-pruned and weak-pruned trees. Trees in very severe pruning conditions do not produce fruits. The debarking effect is size-specifi c, whereas the pruning effect is not. Weak-debarked trees with small diameter bore seven times lower fruits yield than non-debarked trees. Overall, bark, severe and very-severe foliage pruning is negatively affecting Afzelia africana fruit production and should be completely prohibited. Only weak pruning should be allowed.
Non-wood forest products in a context of sustainable forest management: case studies in Ukraine, Russia and Sweden.
Nataliya, S., Elbakidze, M., Angelstam, P. (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; Natalie.Stryamets@slu.se;
marine.elbakidze@slu.se; per.angelstam@slu.se).
The role of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) for local livelihoods in forested regions differs in time and space. During recent decades, NWFPs have attracted considerable interest as an important component of sustainable forest management. The aim of this study was to analyse the use and the governance of NWFPs in different governance context and economic conditions. Three case studies in three countries (Ukraine, Sweden and Russia) have been chosen. These case studies are characterized by a long history of forest resource use and free accesses to NWFPs collection, and represent different governance systems. 150 qualitative interviews with local stakeholders, forest managers and local governmental authorities were done. Data collected included:
(1) management rules for NWFPs collection; (2) stakeholders’ rights regarding use of NWFPs; (3) stakeholders’ opportunities to infl uence the forest management; (3) traditional and current practices of NWFPs use. Results showed that NWFPs use was still active and important in three countries. We discussed different approaches to include stakeholders and their perspectives in natural resource planning and management towards sustainable forest management.
The economic consumptive value of forests: evidence from the wet and dry forest zones of Ghana. Obiri, B.D. (Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, Ghana; bdobiri@yahoo.com), Treue, T. (University of Copenhagen, Denmark; ttr@ifro.ku.dk), Obeng, E. (University of Missouri, USA; amadanso@yahoo.co.uk), Marfo, E., Cobbinah, J., Nutakor, E., Damnyag, L. (Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, Ghana; emarfo@csir-forig.org.gh; jcobbinah@csir-forig.org.gh; enutakor@csir-forig.org.gh;
ldamnyag@csir-forig.org.gh).
The magnitude of forests’ contribution to rural household food and health security is hardly quantifi ed in Ghana. Consequently, forest based interventions are skewed towards commercial timber production even on small holdings. This paper estimates the economic signifi cance of the food/nutritive (including medicinal) values of forests to households on the fringes of wet and dry forests in Ghana. Data gathered from quarterly questionnaire surveys of 600 rural households over one year was analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. Results indicate that households rely on forest resources mainly for subsistence and exploit these resources throughout the year. Households in the middle income class exploit forest resources more than those in the lower and upper classes. 49% and 52% of household forest collections in the Wet and Dry Forest Zones respectively comprise game, snails, mushroom, fruits, nuts, vegetables, root tubers and medicines with a value of $7,500 and $8,000 representing 47% and 24% of estimated household annual forest income in the Wet and Dry Forest Zones respectively. The paper concludes that the dietary and medicinal values of forests to rural household welfare cannot be undervalued. Pro-poor forest based interventions need to be targeted at multiple products that satisfy households’ cash, nutrition and health needs.
Sago forest management and investment opportunities in special autonomy eria in West Papua, Indonesia. Salosa, S.
(Forest Research Institute of Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia; susan_3sa@yahoo.com), Tatik, R. (Forest Research and Development Agency, Indonesia; rostiwati.silvi@yahoo.com).
Over half of the world’s sago potential lies in West Papua within an area of about one million ha. Unfortunately, sago has not been fully utilized yet either for food, for energy or for general needs of local communities. Mostly, local people depend on rice imported from outside Papua Island. Some Papuans, especially those living in low-lying and coastal areas prefer to consume sago from planted sago trees because of high density of its content and its taste, but the numbers of users have decreased recently.
On the other hand, wild sago has less contribution on local people’s lives because the yield is not signifi cant enough for food.
It might occur as a result of lack of maintenance and the remoteness of sago’s hamlet. Sago forest management faces some problems such as diffi cult topographic conditions, customary rights and adequacy of labor. The local government requires investors to prioritize the local community’s welfare as a condition of developing the sago industry in Papua. In the special autonomy era in Indonesia, it is a must to get local communities involved in the entire process of sago exploitation and management. The investors have to give the appropriate compensation for the customary owners.
Natural resources for human health: the reliance on medicinal plants for health care in rural Nepal. Thorsen, R., Pouliot, M. (University of Copenhagen, Denmark; rith@ifro.ku.dk; mapo@ifro.ku.dk).
Traditional medicine is argued to play an important role in health care in developing countries. Very little research has quantifi ed the household level reliance on medicinal plants or determinants of a choice of health care. Understanding the reliance of medicinal plants at different levels is critical for the development of both effi cient environmental and health policies. This study quantifi es traditional medicine reliance and the determinants of choices of health care. Different forms of traditional medicine are defi ned, encompassing both formal (e.g. ayurvedic medicine) and informal (e.g. home treatment with medicinal plants). Structured household surveys (n=785) were conducted in four sites of rural/peri-urban Nepal in 2012 to collect data on household assets, treatment seeking behavior and knowledge and collection practices relating to medicinal plants. Results suggest that reliance on traditional medicine is limited in rural Nepal, and that the most common form of traditional treatment is self-treatment with medicinal plants which constituted 10% of the total number of treatments carried out. Household location, socio-economic characteristics and medicinal plant knowledge are shown to be important determinants of medicinal plant consumption in rural Nepal, and those are discussed in the light of environmental and health policy recommendations.