Before the turn of the 20th century, The Gambia was reported to have been covered with dense vegetation with a wide spectrum of plants and animal species at different times of the year. The human population was low and engaged in subsistence farming. The forests were therefore capable of meeting the demand of this low population and offered a more reliable source of security for food and medicine. The habitats for various wildlife species and bees were also intact and thus supported reliable sources of bushmeat and honey. As the Gambian people responded to these opportunities, they became specialized in the utilization of these NWFP for survival in their own rights. The rural population knew what plant, animal and insect species were on offer and at what time of the year.
Trade and export of these NWFP was not an important issue. The societies were not market-oriented. There were abundant supplies of these products within easy reach and everybody could access it freely and easily.
As the Gambian population continued to increase (696 000 in 1973, 750 000 in 1983 and 1.2 million in 1993) home bases increased as well. The need to meet the demand of this growing population did not only reorient the societies but also changed the landscape. To feed the rapidly growing population, agricultural areas have been expanding constantly so that during the course of the century the greater part of the once beautiful forests and their supporting potential has disappeared for more practical purposes. In the past 16 years, 78% of the area of closed forests and wood savannah have disappeared in The Gambia due to annual bush fires, over grazing, cultivation or other human disturbances. These were primarily replaced by cultivated fields or some form of secondary derived savannah or weedy places. Very little of the forest closed and savannah woodlands remain intact (Bigilo, Pirang Forest Parks).
There are few relicts of the rain forest remaining further south of the country. The Kiang West district in the Lower River Division provides an idea of the type of vegetation once found further upland.
The Gambian people generally know which NWFP(s) (plants and animal species) provide them with food and medicine. These NWFP in their various forms and magnitude could be found in many places across the country, either for direct consumption or for sale. There is, however, lack of information with regard to the statistical records and overall evaluation to indicate the importance of these NWFPs' "Agriculture with Trees" the level of both individual households and at national level.
The unfortunate situation in The Gambia today as far as these NWFPs are concerned is that as their value and demand increases and gain more recognition, they are disappearing at an alarming rate, due to high rate of deforestation which stands at 3.11% annually.
At present, these non-wood forest products can not meet the demand of the local market let alone exporting them. The bulk of these products are consumed and traded locally. In a few isolated cases, one can witness cross-border trade along the border with Senegal.
With the present rate of deforestation and population growth, the future of these non-wood forest products is endangered. Should the current Government interventions pay positively, the volume of local consumption and trade will be maintained or increased. If on the other hand, the expected results are not achieved, decrease in both local consumption and trade will result. In either case exportation of these non-wood forest products is not foreseen in the near future.
