Profil socioéconomique des vendeurs et contraintes de commercialisation des produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNL) dans trois marchés pilotes de la Ville de Kinshasa, en République Démocratique du Congo.

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a vital role in the livelihoods of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Kinshasa, their commercialization constitutes an important source of income for many households and contributes to the supply of food, medicinal, and cultural products to the urban population. However, the socio-economic profiles of traders and the constraints limiting the development of this value chain remain insufficiently documented. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic profiles of non-timber forest product (NTFP) traders and identify the major constraints affecting the commercialization of NTFPs in three pilot markets in the city of Kinshasa, namely Gambela, Liberté, and Central Market. The study is based on a descriptive survey conducted among 196 retailers and wholesalers operating in the three pilot markets. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and direct field observations. Information gathered included the traders' socio-economic characteristics, supply chains, motivations for engaging in NTFP trade, income generated, and the main challenges encountered in commercialization. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that women accounted for 92% of the traders surveyed. The most represented age group was 35–45 years. Married respondents represented 50.67% of the sample, followed by widowed traders (20%), single traders (18%), and divorced traders (11.33%). Most traders had completed secondary education (55%), whereas only 8% had attained university-level education. The NTFPs marketed originated mainly from Kongo Central Province (33.9%), Equateur Province (29.66%), and the former Bandundu Province (10.17%). The main motivations for engaging in this activity were family inheritance (32%), economic profitability (25%), and household socio-economic difficulties. Retailers reported average monthly incomes ranging from USD 100 to 120, whereas wholesalers earned an average monthly income of approximately USD 275. More than half of the wholesalers (54.67%) had been engaged in this activity for over ten years. The major constraints identified included irregular product supply, the highly perishable nature of the products, post-harvest and transportation losses, limited control over supply chains at the production source, the absence of well-structured professional organizations, and insufficient knowledge of the domestication of commercially important species. The commercialization of NTFPs represents a sustainable income-generating activity for households in Kinshasa, particularly for women, while contributing to the valorization of forest resources. Nevertheless, the sector continues to face significant organizational, logistical, and technical constraints that hinder its development. Strengthening professional organizations, improving transportation and storage infrastructure, and promoting the domestication of high-value NTFP species should be prioritized to enhance the competitiveness of the sector and support the sustainable management of forest resources. Implementing these measures would increase the contribution of NTFPs to socio-economic development while promoting the conservation of forest ecosystems.