Livelihood and natural resources Y. Kiki Nchanji
Men and women benefit with increase demand for nontimber forest produce
People: Baka woman and son Place: Nkolbikon village, Cameroon Date: June, 2013
The difference in roles especially for women in the Cameroonian society has greatly evolved. During focus group discussions carried out by the “Beyond Timber Project’s Gender team” in PetitPol village in Cameroon, TONGO Boniface, a Bantou native from the village said “things are improving for the best for the rural woman”. Tongo claims activities such as Non timber forest products (NTFPs) and agriculture produce sales rural woman provides her with daily income to sustain her family. He explains this is so because, “in the past, few men/women were involved in the gathering of NTFPs and agriculture produce as a means to raise income. Rather; it was for domestic use only. But with the increase in market value and demand for these products, the number and dependence of these women/even men on natural resources for their livelihood is increasing daily.