Njansang (Ricinodendron heudelottii – a Non-timber Forest Product tree species) products especially the kernels have long been harvested from humid forest and traded as a popular food condiment across the Congo Basin. Data on the current environmental, social and economic aspects of this forest product are however relatively scarce and highly region and site specific. Njangsang contribution to livelihoods across its entire value chain is not well known. Available statistical data on its sustainability is limited, conflicting and not comparable. At the national level the data do not yet provide a solid base for decision-making. The sustainability of how NTFPs are exploited and commercialised is one of the most important factors in creating a balance between short term income and livelihood needs with biodiversity conservation (Lynch et al., 2004; McLain et al., 2004 in Ingram and Bongers 2009). The study seeks to investigate how the exploitation and trade in njansang products influence the sustainability of the value chain in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Using the value chain approach the study will collect and analyse data on ecological and household livelihood parameters in the njansang value chain. Primary and secondary data collected shall be analysed using SPSS and Excel. The study shall provide relevant data for decision making on the sustainable exploitation and trade in Njansang products in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.
