Rural livelihood and women involvement in the Non Wood Forest Products sector of Central Africa

Abstract

This paper discusses the participation of women in capacity building trainings related to the valorization of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Njansang), beekeeping, domestication of NWFP (Non Wood Forest Products) and the Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) approach. In general women are more involved than men in the collection, processing and marketing of NWFP; however, this paper shows that women are less involved in capacity development training of actors involved in the NWFP sector in Central Africa. This can be due to several factors including the lower literacy rate compared to men; the difficulty of married women to participate in capacity development training that last several days away from home; men’s involvement in the NWFP sector as a result of growing poverty and difficulty to secure minimum wage jobs in urban areas; access to land which is difficult for women in many countries of Central Africa; The paper concludes that women should be more involved in all activities related to the development of the NWFP sector in Central Africa. This will not only empower them but will also improve the welfare of the family.