Medicinal plant commercialization in Benin: An analysis of profit distribution equity across supply chain actors and its effect on the sustainable use of harvested species

Abstract

This paper assesses the effects of the marketing of seven commonly-used medicinal plants on their sustainable use. Data were collected from a sample of 100 marketing agents by direct interviews and ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to test profit margin distribution across actors involved in the marketing of medicinal plants. Results show that collectors have the lowest margins while retailers have the highest. Wholesalers have average margins from 1.37 to 20.69 times higher than collectors’ per gram of species parts sold on urban markets. Collectors are farmers who harvest plant parts and sell them to compensate for decreasing agricultural income. Low margins and propensity to increase income lead to more harvesting, pressure and consequent damage to harvested species. Diversification of income sources and access to alternative cash resources would reduce pressure on harvested species. Complementary studies are needed on medicinal plants’ supply-chain to minimize pressure on resources for enhanced biodiversity.