Diversity and Uses of Non-Timber Forest Products in Organic Cocoa base Agroforests in the South-east of Côte d'Ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, through Project REDD+, the NGO NITIDÆ has certified organic some agroforestry farms according to a strict base among which the presence of the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). The NTFPs traded in West Africa for several years, mainly come from forests and agroforestry systems. The protection and marketing of these NTFP contribute to the well-being of farming households and the quality of production systems. The diversity of uses of NTFP from plant species associated with organic cocoa trees was assessed. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 50 producers and 75 actors involved in their economic valorization. A total of 48 NTFP species were cited by the local populations. These NTFP were mentioned in different categories of use: food, medicinal, cultural and craft. Bark and fruit are the most commonly used while leaves while buds and roots are the least used. Five (5) NTFP with added value are valued by the population and their sale generates a net annual income of US Dollar 27,358.66. The current study highlighted the diversity and importance of the uses of some NTFP from these cocoa agroforestry systems and play an essential role in the health care and livelihoods of local populations.

Keywords: Agroforests, harvested products, Cocoa Biologic, NTFP.