Qualitative Assessment of Table Salt Production Techniques in Southern Benin Republic, and Related Mangrove Destruction and Health Issues

Abstract

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