In Cameroon’s Bakossi-Banyang Mbo landscape, a quiet transformation is changing how communities manage and benefit from natural resources. At the forefront of this shift is FORUDEF (Food and Rural Development Foundation). Through its work with community-based organizations (CBOs), FORUDEF is helping local groups tap into the forest resources they have long protected.

In Cameroon’s Bakossi-Banyang Mbo landscape, a quiet transformation is changing how communities manage and benefit from natural resources.

At the forefront of this shift is FORUDEF (Food and Rural Development Foundation). Through its work with community-based organizations (CBOs), FORUDEF is helping local groups tap into the forest resources they have long protected. Innovation is also driving change. In partnership with AAFEBEN—an organization known for adding value to non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the TRIDOM landscape, BANOTIFOPCOOP has introduced new techniques in the BNP area.

These efforts have turned wild-harvested materials into market-ready cosmetics. In the pilot phase, 40 bottles of body lotion and 35 bottles of hair cream were produced and introduced to local markets.
“With continued support from FORUDEF, the project is laying the groundwork for environmentally sustainable, community-driven economic development—demonstrating that conservation and livelihood improvement can go hand in hand,” says Mr. Tabe Moses, Director of FORUDEF.

This project is more than a business venture. It marks a move from basic NTFP use to sustainable, income-generating entrepreneurship. By adding value, communities are increasing their incomes while continuing to protect their forests. Ongoing market testing will help guide future production and assess the broader social and economic impacts.

NTFP used for local consumption

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Local Innovation Turns Wild Resources into Green Business

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