1. Win-wins in forest product value chains? How governance impacts the sustainability of livelihoods based on non-timber forest products from Cameroon Verina Ingram PhD defence 18 March 2014, Agnietenkapel, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2. 2004 2008 2010. AMSTERDAM ZEIST WAGNENINGEN 3. Congo Basin 2nd largest forest globally 59% country forested 40% live in/near forests Forests provide food, cash, water, fuel, shelter, forage, medicines.. Cameroon 4. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) Cola nuts - stimulant and flavouring Raffia palms- wine, food, poles, leaves Bamboo stems - poles, tools, construction, paper Honey, wax, propolis food, cosmetics, medicine Gum arabic - resin as medicine, food, dyes Pygeum bark- medicine, timber, fuel, forage Eru leaves - food, wine & hangover medicine Bush mango nuts - sauces & slimming medicines 5. Value Chains Harvester WholesalerProcessor Exporter Retailer Consumer Access to resources for production Access to markets 6. Sustainable Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Cope with risks and shocks, and improve way of living while not undermining the natural environment 7. Governance.... Way a society organises its self Rules of the game (formal & informal) Boundaries Umpires Supporters Winners and losers 8. Problems Population 19 million & growing People depend on NTFPs for subsistence and cash Increasing deforestation and degradation Unsustainable trade Contradicting governance regimes High corruption 9. The question: How does governance impact the sustainability of livelihoods based on NTFPs ? 1. How do these chains work, can people earn a living, both today and tomorrow? 2 How is the trade governed? 3. Does this make the trade sustainable? 4. How can it be done better ? 10. Talking 2,195 interviews! Hassling officials trade data Walking observation Counting plants resource assessment Participatory action research Data analysis Methods : Getting the answers 11. Results 12. Many laws, conventions & projects, Strong customs, corruption, weak union governance High value & demand Unsustainable 13. New laws Strong customs, unions & market governance High value & growing deman Sustainable 14. Ineffective laws & customs Strong union governance High corruption High value & demand Not sustainable 15. Q1. How do these chains work and can people earn a living, both today and tomorrow? 710 NTFP species, 225 traded 34,000 people involved 8 NTFP markets worth over US$ 32 million annually Average yearly incomes US$ 3,189 annually, US$ 1.4 per day per person NTFPs not a way out of poverty for most Most dependence on NTFP incomes, with fewer income sources are at end of chain 16. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Statutory regualtion Voluntary/m arket standards Customary regulation Projects Corruption Involuntary standards Score 10 = strong governance 0 = weak governance NTFP Chain Apiculture Gnetum Irvingia Prunus Cola Raphia Bamboo Gum arabic Q2. How are the NTFP chains governed? 17. Q3. Are the NTFP chains sustainable? Pygeum Gum arabic* Bamboo Honey Yes - Win No - Lose Cola Raffia Bush mango Eru 18. Q4. Recommendations and some results Change the law No one arrangement works best Plural arrangements work, if recognised and complementary And if govern forest species and markets Get people in chains talking Cultivation Know what NTFPs are worth Support the most vulnerable people Tackle corruption 19. Thank you!