Production of Ignigenic Salt in the Municipality of Ouidah in South Benin: Challenges, Limits and Impacts on Mangrove

In the municipality of Ouidah, the production of ignigenic salt is dominant in all localities with salt-producing sites. The objective of this study is to show the challenges, the limits of the production of ignigenic salt in the municipality of Ouidah as well as its impacts on the mangrove. The methodological approach adopted is based on documentary research and field surveys. These are essentially made up of field observations, interviews with a representative sample of 90 people selected by reasoned choice provided socio-economic and environmental data from the study area. Thus, the results obtained show that the production of fire-producing salt plays an important role within salt-producing households. Indeed, 100% of the salt farmers surveyed confirm a diversity of types of use of the financial profitability of this activity. According to 50%, this profitability allows them to satisfy their vital needs, 5% for health, 20% for the education of children, 15% for various ceremonies, 10% for the purchase of work materials. However, this activity faces natural, anthropogenic and security constraints. However, this activity faces natural, anthropogenic and security constraints. The latter have significantly affected the practice of this activity through the theft of salt from salt-producing sites (30%), the obstacle to selling salt (30%), competition with solar (10%) and marine salt on the market (10%) and the intervention of mangrove protection projects (20%). In addition, this activity in this municipality has led to a reduction in the mangrove estimated between 2005 and 2022 at 7.2%. To overcome these problems, salt farmers have developed some adaptation strategies with a view to maintaining this activity sustainably.