Abstract
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 drying agricultural 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 1 kg 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.
Highlights
Salt is used across cultures and industries
In West Africa, 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
Summary
Salt is used across cultures and industries. Excessive salt intake is associated with hypertension. Research has found that people with high normal blood pressure who significantly reduced dietary salt intake can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25% over the following 10 to 15 years, and the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is reduced by 20%. Excessive sodium is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and kidney Diseases [4] [5] [6]. Adverse effects of sodium overconsumption were examined by the Panel on Dietary Reference Intakes for Electrolytes and Water, evidence on cardiovascular outcomes (stroke, coronary heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy) and kidney disease and their association with increased blood pressure were pointed out [7]. The dietary guideline in the United States recommends consumption of less than 2.3 g of sodium per day, approximately 1 tea spoon full of salt [8]
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