Transitioning to agroforestry

The Botanical Products Association of Liberia (BOTPAL) was established in 2010 and is a legally registered organisation dedicated to the sustainable harvesting, processing and management of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as vines and tree crops, as well as facilitating market linkages. Today, BOTPAL has a membership of 150 individuals, including men, women, youth and people living with disabilities. It also provides services to a much wider clientele.

Forest and Farm Facility activities

With support from the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF), BOTPAL has made significant impacts in promoting sustainable NTFP management. Funding allowed the association to organise seven trainings with up to 500 participants, where members have learnt important skills and best practices for sustainably harvesting and cultivating NTFPs.

Previously, many NTFP collectors relied on destructive harvesting practices, often cutting down entire trees or vines to access products such as xylopia aethiopica (an aromatic fruit used as a medicine and to flavour foods), African black pepper vine, bitter kola (used as a medicine for ailments such as coughs and sore throats) and grains of paradise spice. Collectors also lacked awareness that NTFPs, when managed sustainably, could generate reliable income comparable to cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil and coffee.

An FFF-supported learning-exchange trip to Côte d’Ivoire, attended by two male and two female BOTPAL staff, further strengthened the association’s capacity. After observing successful grains of paradise farms, the returning team facilitated the formation of five new farming groups in Liberia focused on cultivating this crop. In January 2026, these five groups collectively harvested over 100kg of grains of paradise, with proceeds reinvested into production expansion. Many BOTPAL producers now cultivate grains of paradise, African black pepper, xylopia, bitter kola and wild palm alongside cocoa and coffee as part of integrated livelihood systems.

Significance of impact

Following BOTPAL’s training, collectors and producers have transitioned to agroforestry systems, covering approximately 52 hectares, where NTFPs are cultivated alongside traditional cash crops. This integrated farming approach ensures sustainable harvests, diversified income, greater agrobiodiversity and greater storage of carbon in soils and trees.

The practices have reduced deforestation and eased pressure on the environment. Xylopia are now protected through improved harvesting methods, as producers no longer cut down the whole tree. Similarly, collectors have now improved their harvesting of African black pepper, gently splitting the vine to allow fruits to drop naturally over several days, after which the vine is closed and secured to encourage new growth.

Communities have also developed a stronger interest in identifying and managing additional trees and NTFP species, such as voacanga trees (the roots, bark and seeds of which contain medicinal alkaloids) or wild cherries. As producers increasingly cultivate these species on their own farms, they no longer rely on the protected area for collection, further supporting conservation efforts.

Conclusion

FFF support to BOTPAL has enabled the development of several value chains from tree-rich agroforestry systems that now incentivise more sustainable forest management, while also delivering better livelihoods.

Transitioning to agroforestry

Forest and Farm Facility activities

Significance of impact

Conclusion

Further reading