This
research was conducted in the framework of the feasibility study related to
FOCUSED-Benin project, the 5th work package of the YES-PV NIG BEN
project financed by the German Government through its Ministry of Research and
High Education (BMBF). The FOCUSED Benin project’s major objective is to
protect the environment through the utilization of solar energy for dryingagricultural products and table salt harvesting. Salt
is important in human daily life. It is used for conservation of food,
softening water, industrial processes, road de-icing, food seasoning, etc.
Seawater evaporation, salt mining, and salt brine are the major sources of salt
production worldwide. However, in West Africa, particularly in Benin Republic,
table salt is produced using methods that negatively impact the ecology of the
mangrove. This study aimed at investigating the current status of salt
production in Benin Republic, its impact on the mangrove and its related health
issues. Field visits, meeting with associations of women salt producers in the
coastal region of the country, allowed to
quantify the number of women associations dealing with salt production, their
difficulties, and the impacts on the mangrove. Salt is a seasonal
activity and is produced from January to May. One kilogram salt production,
along with health issues reported by salt producers, requires approximately 1kg of firewood obtained by
cutting down mangrove. Salt price varies from 250CFA (€0.38)
to 400FCFA (€0.61) per kg depending on the season. The women salt producers are
not aware of the ecological consequences of mangrove destruction. Sources of
firewood are becoming increasingly scarce and prices prohibitive. Sensitization
is not efficient. An alternative method of harvesting salt by solar drying and
new ideas for implementing this activity in a participatory approach was discussed with the
different associations of salt producers.
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