Wild Meat Consumption Rises in Central Africa

Why this is here: Dwarf crocodiles are often transported alive from rainforests to urban markets to maintain meat freshness during transit, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Researchers at CIFOR-ICRAF determined wild meat consumption in Central Africa increased roughly 50% between 2000 and 2022. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 households across six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. Population growth—from 25 million to 140 million—drove demand for both food and income, impacting wildlife.

Annual consumption rose from about 730,000 tons to 1.1 million tons during the study period. Wild meat provides roughly 20% of daily protein for many rural people, particularly traditional hunter-gatherers. However, the study identifies 31% of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the region as currently at risk of extinction.

The report suggests reducing consumption in cities and strengthening alternative protein sources like poultry and fisheries. It acknowledges the cultural importance of wild meat but notes the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, especially relevant given the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. Further research needs to address sustainable use for rural communities.