Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon

Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah; Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh; Tchakonte Simeon; Longonje Simon Ngomba; Nasako Noto Penda; Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon

Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah

, Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh^*, Tchakonte Simeon, Longonje Simon Ngomba, Nasako Noto Penda, Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah

Published in International Journal of Agricultural Economics (Volume 10, Issue 6)

Received: 28 October 2025 Accepted: 6 November 2025 Published: 9 December 2025

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Abstract

This study examined the commercialization of Marantaceae species in Cameroon, with focus on market margins, socio-economic dynamics, and regional trade patterns. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews involving harvesters, traders, and consumers participating in the Marantaceae value chain across key markets in the different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The study analyzed profitability through the Rate of Market Margin (RMM) and Net Marketing Margin (NMM). Findings revealed that collectors retain higher per-unit profits, but wholesalers are the main financial beneficiaries due to their larger trading volumes, faster turnover, and better access to market. Retailers record modest gains limited by spoilage and competition. An estimated average of 55, 651 bundles of Marantaceae species notably Halopegia azurea, Marantochloa purpurea, Haumania denckelmaniana, and Megaphrynium marostachyumare are traded monthly by approximately 421 traders, (engaged in Marantaceae trade). When extrapolated annually, this corresponds to a substantial volume entering the national value chain underlining the growing economic importance of Marantaceae in the non-timber forest product sector. The trade contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly for women, but remains constrained by informality and infrastructural challenges. Enhancing cooperative organization, price transmission, and sustainable harvesting would improve equity, efficiency, and long-term viability of the Marantaceae value chain in Cameroon.

Published in	International Journal of Agricultural Economics (Volume 10, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
Page(s)	376-386
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Cameroon, Commercialisation, Livelihood, Marantaceae, Profit Margins, Value Chain

References

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[2]	Awono, A., Tchindjang, M., & Levang, P. (2016). Will the proposed forest policy and regulatory reforms boost the NTFP sector in Cameroon ? 18(1), 78–92.
[3]	Cabezas, F. J., De La Estrella, M., Aedo, C., & Velayos, M. (2005). Marantaceae of Equatorial Guinea. Annales Botanici Fennici, 42(3), 173–184.
[4]	Hattori, S. (2006). Utilization of Marantaceae Plants By the Baka Hunter-Gatherers in Southeastern Cameroon. African Study Monographs, 33(May), 29–48.
[5]	Jaza Folefack, A. J., Ako’O Abondo, J. A., & Achu Muluh, G. (2024). Comparing the commercialisation margins among traders of the marketing channel of cassava flour in Yaounde, Cameroon. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 18(4), 1588–1605. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v18i4.29
[6]	LEKAH, A. R. (2013). Commercialization of Marantaceae species: A neglected non timber forest product in Southern Cameroon [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Department of Plant Biology, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon.
[7]	Ngansop ab, M. T., Sonwa, D. J., Fongnzossie bd, E. F., Elvire, B. H., Preasious ab, F. F., Oishi, T., Bernard-Aloys, N., & Ngansop, M. T. (2019). Identification of main Non-Timber Forest Products and related stakeholders in its value chain in the Gribe village of southeastern Cameroon. March, 181–191. http://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/CSonwa1901.pdf on March 4, 2020.
[8]	Nkwatoh, F., Labode, P., Ebobenow, J., Nkwatoh, W., Ndumbe, N., & Ewane, M. (2011). Gathering Processing and Marketing of Ricinodendron species (Bail) in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. Agricultural Science Research Journal, 1(9), 213–221. http://www.resjournals.com/arj
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[10]	Pacôme Limala, E., Ntsomboh-Ntsefong, G., Likeng-Li-Ngue, B.-C., Nyouma, A., & Martin Bell, J. (2023). Smallholders’ Perceptions and Socio-Economic Importance of Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Benth.) Leaves in the Central and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, June. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230802.11
[11]	Shackleton, C., & Shackleton, S. (2014). The importance of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood security and as safety nets : a review of evidence from South Africa. April.
[12]	Shepherd, A. W. (2007). Approaches to linking producers to markets: A review of experiences to date. Agricultural Management, Marketing and Finance Occasional Paper No. 13. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome.
[13]	Thiombiano D. N. E., Lamien N., Dibong S. D., & Boussim I. J. (2010). Status of the population of woody plant species welded in the rural community of Pobe-Mengong and Nobere (Burkina Faso). Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 9(1), 1104–1116.
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APA Style

Mbapah, M. E., Nkwatoh, A. F., Simeon, T., Ngomba, L. S., Penda, N. N., et al. (2025). Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 10(6), 376-386. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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ACS Style

Mbapah, M. E.; Nkwatoh, A. F.; Simeon, T.; Ngomba, L. S.; Penda, N. N., et al. Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. Int. J. Agric. Econ. 2025, 10(6), 376-386. doi: 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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AMA Style

Mbapah ME, Nkwatoh AF, Simeon T, Ngomba LS, Penda NN, et al. Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. Int J Agric Econ. 2025;10(6):376-386. doi: 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14,
  author = {Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah and Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh and Tchakonte Simeon and Longonje Simon Ngomba and Nasako Noto Penda and Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah},
  title = {Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon},
  journal = {International Journal of Agricultural Economics},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {376-386},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijae.20251006.14},
  abstract = {This study examined the commercialization of Marantaceae species in Cameroon, with focus on market margins, socio-economic dynamics, and regional trade patterns. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews involving harvesters, traders, and consumers participating in the Marantaceae value chain across key markets in the different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The study analyzed profitability through the Rate of Market Margin (RMM) and Net Marketing Margin (NMM). Findings revealed that collectors retain higher per-unit profits, but wholesalers are the main financial beneficiaries due to their larger trading volumes, faster turnover, and better access to market. Retailers record modest gains limited by spoilage and competition. An estimated average of 55, 651 bundles of Marantaceae species notably Halopegia azurea, Marantochloa purpurea, Haumania denckelmaniana, and Megaphrynium marostachyumare are traded monthly by approximately 421 traders, (engaged in Marantaceae trade). When extrapolated annually, this corresponds to a substantial volume entering the national value chain underlining the growing economic importance of Marantaceae in the non-timber forest product sector. The trade contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly for women, but remains constrained by informality and infrastructural challenges. Enhancing cooperative organization, price transmission, and sustainable harvesting would improve equity, efficiency, and long-term viability of the Marantaceae value chain in Cameroon.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon
AU  - Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah
AU  - Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh
AU  - Tchakonte Simeon
AU  - Longonje Simon Ngomba
AU  - Nasako Noto Penda
AU  - Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
T2  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
JF  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
JO  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
SP  - 376
EP  - 386
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3843
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
AB  - This study examined the commercialization of Marantaceae species in Cameroon, with focus on market margins, socio-economic dynamics, and regional trade patterns. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews involving harvesters, traders, and consumers participating in the Marantaceae value chain across key markets in the different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The study analyzed profitability through the Rate of Market Margin (RMM) and Net Marketing Margin (NMM). Findings revealed that collectors retain higher per-unit profits, but wholesalers are the main financial beneficiaries due to their larger trading volumes, faster turnover, and better access to market. Retailers record modest gains limited by spoilage and competition. An estimated average of 55, 651 bundles of Marantaceae species notably Halopegia azurea, Marantochloa purpurea, Haumania denckelmaniana, and Megaphrynium marostachyumare are traded monthly by approximately 421 traders, (engaged in Marantaceae trade). When extrapolated annually, this corresponds to a substantial volume entering the national value chain underlining the growing economic importance of Marantaceae in the non-timber forest product sector. The trade contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly for women, but remains constrained by informality and infrastructural challenges. Enhancing cooperative organization, price transmission, and sustainable harvesting would improve equity, efficiency, and long-term viability of the Marantaceae value chain in Cameroon.
VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0009-0008-2130-7913
Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email
Tchakonte Simeon

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email
Longonje Simon Ngomba

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon
Nasako Noto Penda

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email
Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mbapah, M. E., Nkwatoh, A. F., Simeon, T., Ngomba, L. S., Penda, N. N., et al. (2025). Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 10(6), 376-386. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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ACS Style

Mbapah, M. E.; Nkwatoh, A. F.; Simeon, T.; Ngomba, L. S.; Penda, N. N., et al. Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. Int. J. Agric. Econ. 2025, 10(6), 376-386. doi: 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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AMA Style

Mbapah ME, Nkwatoh AF, Simeon T, Ngomba LS, Penda NN, et al. Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon. Int J Agric Econ. 2025;10(6):376-386. doi: 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14,
  author = {Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah and Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh and Tchakonte Simeon and Longonje Simon Ngomba and Nasako Noto Penda and Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah},
  title = {Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon},
  journal = {International Journal of Agricultural Economics},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {376-386},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijae.20251006.14},
  abstract = {This study examined the commercialization of Marantaceae species in Cameroon, with focus on market margins, socio-economic dynamics, and regional trade patterns. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews involving harvesters, traders, and consumers participating in the Marantaceae value chain across key markets in the different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The study analyzed profitability through the Rate of Market Margin (RMM) and Net Marketing Margin (NMM). Findings revealed that collectors retain higher per-unit profits, but wholesalers are the main financial beneficiaries due to their larger trading volumes, faster turnover, and better access to market. Retailers record modest gains limited by spoilage and competition. An estimated average of 55, 651 bundles of Marantaceae species notably Halopegia azurea, Marantochloa purpurea, Haumania denckelmaniana, and Megaphrynium marostachyumare are traded monthly by approximately 421 traders, (engaged in Marantaceae trade). When extrapolated annually, this corresponds to a substantial volume entering the national value chain underlining the growing economic importance of Marantaceae in the non-timber forest product sector. The trade contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly for women, but remains constrained by informality and infrastructural challenges. Enhancing cooperative organization, price transmission, and sustainable harvesting would improve equity, efficiency, and long-term viability of the Marantaceae value chain in Cameroon.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Commercialisation and Market Margins of Marantaceae Species in Cameroon
AU  - Mingoh Emmanuel Mbapah
AU  - Athanasius Fuashi Nkwatoh
AU  - Tchakonte Simeon
AU  - Longonje Simon Ngomba
AU  - Nasako Noto Penda
AU  - Ateba Uta-Rein Lekah
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
T2  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
JF  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
JO  - International Journal of Agricultural Economics
SP  - 376
EP  - 386
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3843
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijae.20251006.14
AB  - This study examined the commercialization of Marantaceae species in Cameroon, with focus on market margins, socio-economic dynamics, and regional trade patterns. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews involving harvesters, traders, and consumers participating in the Marantaceae value chain across key markets in the different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The study analyzed profitability through the Rate of Market Margin (RMM) and Net Marketing Margin (NMM). Findings revealed that collectors retain higher per-unit profits, but wholesalers are the main financial beneficiaries due to their larger trading volumes, faster turnover, and better access to market. Retailers record modest gains limited by spoilage and competition. An estimated average of 55, 651 bundles of Marantaceae species notably Halopegia azurea, Marantochloa purpurea, Haumania denckelmaniana, and Megaphrynium marostachyumare are traded monthly by approximately 421 traders, (engaged in Marantaceae trade). When extrapolated annually, this corresponds to a substantial volume entering the national value chain underlining the growing economic importance of Marantaceae in the non-timber forest product sector. The trade contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly for women, but remains constrained by informality and infrastructural challenges. Enhancing cooperative organization, price transmission, and sustainable harvesting would improve equity, efficiency, and long-term viability of the Marantaceae value chain in Cameroon.
VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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