Distribution, exploitation and valuation of non-timber forest products from a forest reserve in Sierra Leone

The Western Area Forest Reserve (WAFR) of Sierra Leone has a long history of exploitation for commercial products, especially timber, dating to the colonial period. Exploitation of numerous nontimber forest products (NTFP) is also important to adjacent communities and continues to change the vegetation structure and composition of the Reserve. My study indicates that intense exploitation occurs for many products in the WAFR with significant impacts on forest regeneration, plant diversity, and the future availability of NTFP resources. Altered seed dispersal patterns and intensive harvesting practices that favor early successional ecosystems make it unlikely that future forests will retain a diverse assemblage of tree species.; Most woody species in the WAFR have one or more medicinal uses. A comparison between local uses and pharmacological assessments indicates that local herbalists and western pharmacologists recommend the same plants (or plant extracts) to treat a range of ailments. However, gaps in knowledge exist for both herbalists and pharmacologists and both would benefit from information exchange on the efficacy and uses of plant extracts.; Palm wine tapped from Elaeis guineensis provides high incomes to certain groups such as Limba tribe members and women while also creating'social networks' among tappers, traders and retail vendors. NTFP contributions to household income often exceed non-NTFP contributions. Female heads-of-household reported a doubling of income under a 'mixed' income (NTFP and non-NTFP sources) strategy, while male heads-of-household had higher 'single source' incomes and were less likely to use a 'mixed' income strategy.; The WAFR is an important forest desperately in need of conservation. The state must provide the legal framework and other resources needed to manage the forest for the sustainable exploitation of NTFP. The state is the recognized 'owner' of the reserve, but its inability to enforce laws and rules pertaining to access and harvesting create a de facto 'open access' resource. Effective conservation and management will require the state to seek the collaboration of local communities as partners, as well as local and international NGOs who have a vested interest in the long-term conservation of the forest.