Economic and Medicinal Importance of Nontimber Forest Products at Yoni Chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Objectives: Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) have been used for a wide range of things, even as they are linkable to numerous conventional ideologies and cultures. Information on the diversity and value of NTFPs in an environment is beneficial to the community, scientists, and decision-makers. Unfortunately, such vital information about the study area is unavailable in literature. Methods: This study identified the various types of NTFPs, determined the economic significance of NTFPs, and evaluated the role of NTFPs in the study area. Based on their origins, 24 NTFPs in the study area were divided into different categories. The amount of money which households made through the marketing of NTFPs was minuscule, and a large portion of it was being utilized in paying children’s school fees, supplies, clothing, food, and medicine. The study demonstrated that residents of the study area often used NTFPs as key alternatives to pharmaceutical, contemporary medicines in the treatment of ailments, while a smaller percentage of residents of the chiefdom utilized the stems, seeds, and flowers and other parts acquired from NTFPs in the treatment of diseases, leaves, and roots were the most commonly utilized parts. Results: As a result of the findings, it is advised that NTFPs be developed into value-added products that are capable of attracting high market values and serving as alternative livelihood options. Conclusions: Community stakeholders involved in NTFP-related activities should be trained in the use of NTFP extraction, processing, storage, and conservation facilities, so as to maximize profit and ultimately ensure the sustainability of such products.