Research Article
Impact of Harvesting Method on Bush Mango (Irvingia wombulo) and Nutmeg (Modora myristica) to the Ecosystem of Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Nguti, Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
160-172
Received:
26 February 2026
Accepted:
9 March 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261404.11
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Abstract: This study examines the impact of harvesting method on African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) in the rainforest ecosystem. The research highlights that inadequate harvesting practices such as indiscriminate cutting, premature harvesting, and lack of sustainable techniques have detrimental effects on both species' populations and the broader ecological community. Data were collected through field surveys, interviews with local harvesters, and ecological assessments over a six-month period. Results indicate a noticeable decline in the population of I. wombulo and M. myristica, with associated effects on biodiversity, soil health, and local wildlife species dependent on these trees for food and habitat. The findings suggest a pressing need for education on sustainable harvesting practices and the implementation of conservation strategies to mitigate environmental degradation. This study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and local communities to foster sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of the Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary’s ecological integrity. The study revealed that the impact of harvesting method of African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) significantly associated to harvesting period X2=54.699 df=12 P=0.000, species population status over years X2=5.761 df=8 P<0.05, impact of plant species harvesting on plant and wildlife population r=0.357 P=0.053, and harvesting frequency r=0.426 P=0.019 respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant association between the local community awareness/ involvement in managing endangered plant species and their harvesting periods X2=9.655 df=3 P=0.022. Additionally, the local community awareness/involvement in managing endangered plant species associated significantly to their harvesting methods r=0.306 P=0.100. While approximately 70% of local community engagement in managing endangered plant species remains insignificant due to various challenges, there exists a robust 30% where awareness and involvement have led to significant conservation efforts. As the populations of I. wombulu and M. myristica decline, coupled with habitat degradation, the potential for economic returns from these species decreases. Enhancing awareness through education and training programs about the ecological importance of I. wombulu and M. myristica can empower local stakeholders to adopt better practices. Collaborative management approaches that incorporate local knowledge and traditional ecological practices can also foster sustainable usage and conservation.
Abstract: This study examines the impact of harvesting method on African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) in the rainforest ecosystem. The research highlights that inadequate harvesting practices such as indiscriminate cutting, premature harvesting, and lack of sustainable techniques have detrimental effects on both species...
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,
Kamah Pascal Bumtu
