The report summarizes the findings of a pilot study on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) carried out during 1989-90 in 8 villages in the tropical moist forests of Ghana. NTFPs in rural households are discussed in relation to forest foods, forest medicines, traditional forest values, house construction, household goods and agricultural equipment, livestock production, energy supply, and income from gathering and processing. Processing and trade are examined in relation to marketing, Marantaceae leaves, plant medicines, cane, chewsticks, and wild game. NTFPs are an important forest resource for local inhabitants and need to be included in forest management planning. Management systems which sustain and develop the value of forests for those living near them will help to ensure an active local interest in the forest's long-term management.

Text in English