From July 28 to August 4, 2025, SAILD conducted a mission in the villages of Kambocassi, Hona, and Mansa in the Lom-et-Djerem department in the East Cameroon region.
This mission, part of the project “Cosmetopoeia of the Congo Basin. From tradition to modernity: a mediation of endogenous and exogenous knowledge in an economic intelligence approach” aimed to collect data on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) with cosmetic potential. In this regard, four main species were targeted, namely Baillonella toxisperma (Moabi), Cylicodiscus gabonensis (Okan), Moringa oleifera, and Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea).
In order to better understand how local communities use these forest products, a survey was conducted among 150 households. The involvement of women was particularly noteworthy. They showed great enthusiasm and precision in describing the traditional uses of various forest products.
According to them, these plants contribute significantly to the well-being of populations, particularly through self-consumption and self-processing (production of hair oil, body paste, and other artisanal cosmetic products). Similarly, the sale of these essences generates income that enables families to meet other essential needs.
Further research will be conducted to determine the total economic value of these plants and quantify the benefits they provide to local communities.
- Joël Bela
- Dora Ngo
