People of the Congo Rainforest
The Congo rainforest people rely largely on the forests for their livelihood, they are traditionally hunter-gatherers. They use bow and arrows to hunt wildlife. They clear patches of forest and plant crops such as cassava, corn and yams. They also grow cash crops for trade; such as peanuts, rice, coffee and oil palms. After a few years, they move on for another fertile area, leaving this area bare.
This method of shifting cultivation leaves the area desolate, this cycle is also called ‘slash and burn’. Their shelters are made from young trees bent and woven together.More than 90% of energy use comes from wood which the women collect. They also gather caterpillars, grubs and honey to eat, along with a variety of plants that they use for food and medicine. Meat is exchanged between farmers for vegetables, grains and other goods.