Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a central role in the tropics - They also play vital roles in low-income food-deficit countries such as Cameroon (Africa). The RAPHIA project will use interdisciplinary and integrated approaches to describe, characterize and model the economic importance and future trends of Raphia species in Cameroon.
Document and quantify the current socio-economic importance of Raphia species in Cameroon.
Evaluate the resilience of Raphia species in Cameroon to overharvesting and climate change.
Assess recent innovations for the sustainable harvesting of Raphia species and promote Raphia as an important natural capital in Cameroon.
Compile previous knowledge and collect new data on the taxonomy, uses and trade value of Raphia species in Cameroon.
Analyze value chains and estimate future trends of Raphia species products.
Explore spatial genetic structure of selected Raphia species
Evaluate methods to estimate Raphia population sizes and biomass via remote sensing.
Model the response of species to future climate change scenarios.
Assess the potential of innovations for sustainable harvesting of Raphia products.
Produce a general public documentary on the importance of Raphia in Cameroon.
Implement dissemination actions via collaboration with NGOs and local associations.
Increase knowledge about NTFPs as a tool to fight against poverty / food insecurity in Cameroon and Africa.
A solid taxonomic framework of Raphia species.
The general public, professionals and educators gain knowledge about the use and value of Raphia palms.
Understand the threats and resilience of populations to over harvesting, climate change and habitat degradation.
New innovations in the sustainable harvest of Raphia palm wine and grubs.
Effective communication between farmers and government officials on questions related to the sustainable harvest of Raphia in Cameroon.
Submit a large EU Horizon 2020 project of African palm harvest and trade.
Project Number : 1403-026
Year : 2014
Type of funding : AAP OS
Project type : AAP
Research units in the network : AMAP
Start date :
01 Mar 2015
End date :
28 Feb 2017
Flagship project :
Non
Project leader :
Thomas Couvreur
Project leader's institution :
IRD
Project leader's RU :
DIADE
Budget allocated :
180000 €
Total budget allocated ( including co-financing) :
180000 €
Funding :
Labex