Gnetum africanum, widely known as « eru » or « okok, » is one of the most commercially important non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Central Africa. This study applies a quantitative ethnobotanical approach to document the uses, harvesting practices, and socio-economic importance of Gnetum africanum in the Massoumboum area of Cameroon’s Littoral Region, where the plant represents a critical source of food and income for local communities.
Through structured interviews, market surveys, and vegetation assessments, the research captures the full spectrum of knowledge held by harvesters, traders, and consumers regarding this wild leafy vegetable. The data reveal high levels of harvesting intensity that raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of wild populations, particularly in areas where regeneration is insufficient to compensate for offtake rates.
This study provides a scientific basis for developing evidence-based management plans for Gnetum africanum, helping to secure both the ecological viability of the species and the food security of communities that depend on it. BCL supports research of this kind as it directly informs sustainable forest management strategies and the protection of biodiversity in the Congo Basin region.
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