Exploring ethnosylvicultural knowledge among Baka and Konabembe ethnic groups in South eastern Cameroon

Trees management naturally or through planting has been part of the habits of rural men and women in most villages of central Africa. Some authors had argued that this indigenous knowledge should not be alienated from the trees management regime because such techniques evolved and reflect a society’s intimate understanding of its ecological and social environment, through constant use and domestication of resources.

This aim of this study is to explore local knowledge about natural regeneration and the management of NTFP species in agroforest systems in South East Cameroon.

The study used random sampling technique to select respondents from the user groups. Household survey and vegetation assessment were conducted in 2 settlements of Baka and Konabembe ethnic groups.

The study presents indigenous management strategies of non timber forest products populations of local residents and provides a comparative analysis between Baka and konabembe ethnic group.

Key words: Ethnosylvicultural knowledge, Baka, Konabembe, South-east Cameroon