Use of Forest Products (NTFPs) and Agricultural Products in the Socio-Economic Life of "KumuMandombe" Households in the District of Tshopo/Po in the DRC

Abstract

After those in the Amazon, the Congo Basin forests are the second largest of the world's dense and humid tropical forests. They extend from the coasts of the Gulf of Guinea to the west, to the Albertin rift mountains to the east, and open nearly seven degrees of latitude on both sides of the equator. For the most part, they belong to all Congolese Guinean forests, of which they constitute more than 80% of the total area. In western Cameroon and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo they also include Afro-mountain forests (FAO, 2006). The results obtained after the study reveal that the community of Bakumu-Madombe is familiar with the different NTFPs in its ecosystem. These NTFPs are able to provide the population not only with consumer products but also with recipes. Indeed, hunting, fishing and trapping occupy the first place (43%) of global average receipts which are of the order of 45694.67 Fc. Second place goes to the caterpillars (35%) and finally the mushrooms come last with 22% of revenue. Among the most produced SAPs leaving their quantities in the middle Kumu; It appears here that Scorodophleus zenkeri is the most exploited, followed by Solanum turvum and Anonidium mannii. We see that SAPs, including NWFPs, generate their share of overall income. This share is on average for each household of the Community of 19446.67 Fc / year for Fishing / Hunting / Traps is 39%, 10182.67 Fc / year for Mushrooms (21%), 16065.3 Fc / period for caterpillars (33%) and 3410.89 Fc / period for SAPs (7%). From the point of view of agricultural production, households produce and sell more cassava than maize and rice and therefore the income from this speculation is considerable. However, cassava incomes are staggered over time whereas those of maize and rice can be realized in a short time following the harvest and the growing season. it is shown that in the household income wild food plants (PAS) represent a share of 2% followed by Livestock with 25%, other NTFPs with 29%, and Agriculture with 44%. Finally, this research has shown that forests are a source of food products in the environment and income. It is time to think about its protection and conservation by practicing sustainable agriculture for the maintenance of biodiversity and different ecosystems of Tshopo.