Preliminary ecological study of plant species of Lokame Natural Forest (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo): A special emphasis on Non-timber Forest Products

Research Article

Preliminary ecological study of plant species of Lokame Natural Forest (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo): A special emphasis on Non-timber Forest Products

Jean-Paul Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua, Honoré K. Yabuda, Jean-Pierre Abia Makundu4, Gédéon . Bongo, Jean-Bosco Mabe Kolonganga4, André N. Nzamonga, Colette Masengo Ashande, Ruphin Djolu Djoza, John B. Likolo, Maurice G. Ngemale, Médard M. Molongo, Jean-Paul M. Mangbukudua, Michau K. Kamienge, Amédée K. Gbatea, Jean Bernard Z. Bosanza, Michel M. Mongeke, Muanza Lala Many

Corresponding Author : Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Email ID : jpngbolua@unikin.ac.cd

Received : 2017-06-12 Accepted : 2017-07-14 Published : 2017-07-14

Abstract : A preliminary ecological study with a special emphasis on Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) was conducted between 2014 and 2015 on both anks of Lokame River in Lokame forest. The results showed that the Lokame natural forest has a very rich and diversified in NTFPs. Data collected over a total area of 2 ha identified 20 families and 25 different plant species producing NTFPs and 914 individuals, of which 39% are food, 38% for different uses, 14% for aphrodisiacs and 9% as medicinal. A comparison of data by region reveals that the left bank region is richer and more diversified than that of the right bank. Fruit is the most used organ (75%) followed by bark (60%) and leaves (50%). The unbarking is the most important collection technique for the entire study area with a frequency of 70%. The unbarking is followed by cutting down, collection, picking-up, thinning-out and uprooting. The collection by unbarking, uprooting and cutting down is destructive, henceforth these methods are not sustainable. The proportions of NTFPs collection are alarming for the conservation of Lokame forest area. It is therefore necessary to: (1) strengthen knowledge on NTFPs and sustainable management techniques associated with their exploitation, (2) develop and implement the NTFP-specific institutional and regulatory framework, (3) carry out economic diagnosis and control of the traceability of NTFP sectors, (4) strengthen institutional and human capacities for the development of the NTFP sector, and last (5) create a conducive environment in order to invest in the NTFP sector. Thus, Lokame natural forest will continue to play its role of biodiversity conservation and sustained production of natural resources.

Keywords : Non-timber Forest Products, Lokame forest ecosystem, Nord-Ubangi Province.

Citation : Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua et al. (2017). Preliminary ecological study of plant species of Lokame Natural Forest (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo): A special emphasis on Non-timber Forest Products. J. of Advanced Botany and Zoology. V5I2. DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.1000247

Copyright : © 2017 Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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