Saliculture Et Pressions Sur Les Mangroves, Un écosystéme Specifique Au Sud Du Bénin

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems in southern Benin are under pressure from salt farmers. This research made it possible to evaluate the impact of salt farming on mangroves. Salt farmers were identified and surveyed in six (6) villages of the Djègbadji district. Old and new sites of salt extraction were observed in order to note the presence or absence of mangrove trees. Satellite images on Google Earth from 1975, 2000 and 2016 were used to digitize the limits of salt extraction. This allowed for an assessment of the spatial and temporal dynamics of mangroves. Salt farming mobilizes approximately 1052 women in the Djègbadji district. The area of mangroves degraded in 1975, 2000 and 2016 in the exercise of this activity, is estimated respectively at 1.33 ha, 6.11 ha and 13.8 ha. Mangroves are used in practically all stages of salt farming. First, to install a unit for the production of salt igneous, it is necessary to cut down feet of mangroves. Then, the construction of the huts for the preparation of the salt and their conservation is done with the help of mangrove branches. Finally, the leaching baskets are made from the mangrove roots. Very combustible, even in a fresh state, mangrove branches are widely used for the preparation of yam salt. The reinforcement of the reforestation policy and the management of wetland plant resources appear as an alternative for the sustainable management of the biodiversity of these mangrove ecosystems.