Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs): A Viable Option for Livelihood Enhancement in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background and Objective: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are renewable natural resources which are harvested by local communities from the surrounding homesteads, fields, grazing lands, woodlands, grasslands and natural habitats. The aim of this study was to examine the use of NTFPs in Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa, assessing their consumption patterns and contribution to the household well-being. Materials and Methods: Data on NTFPs identities and utilization in the study area were gathered through community focus group discussions and household surveys using both structured and semi-structured questionnaires between April, 2017 and May, 2018. A sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique provided detailed accounts on diversity and utilization of NTFPs in the study area. Results: A total of 59 species and eight extractable NTFPs were utilized by the communities in Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The identified eight use categories were herbal medicines (39.0%), edible plants and mushroom (18.0%), firewood (11%), bushmeat (10.0%), forage (9.0%), construction materials (6.0%), ceremonial uses (2.0%) and others with miscellaneous uses (5.0%). Popular NTFPs with Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.50 included Agapanthus africanus, Aepyceros melampus, Bulbine frutescens, Bulbine latifolia, Centella asiatica, Clivia miniata, Datura stramonium, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Leonotis leonurus, Pavo cristatus, Struthio camelus and Xerus inauris. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that information on diversity, consumption patterns and contribution of NTFPs to livelihood needs of households may enable policymakers and government officers to draft policies required for sustainable utilization and management of NTFPs.