Learning our lessons : a review of alternative livelihood projects in Central Africa

Bushmeat hunting represents one of the biggest threats to tropical forest ecosystems. In addition to the use of top-down approaches (such as the enforcement of national hunting laws), alternative livelihood projects have been implemented at the community level with the aim of reducing hunting through the provision of protein and income substitutes to wild meat. However, evidence of the impact of these projects on hunting practices and species populations has yet to be collated and reviewed. This study takes the first step towards filling this gap with a focus on alternative livelihood projects in Central Africa.