Beekeeping in Ankobà benefits mangroves and communities

Ankobà is a coastal village in the district of Belo Sur Mer, Menabe region. The population lives from agriculture and especially from fishing.

During the last five years, the population has observed that climate change has impacted their means of survival. Rains have decreased, the crop calendar has changed compared to previous years. According to the communities, in 2010 they had the capacity to produce maize and legumes, but now the lack of rainfall does not allow maize to mature. As a result, farmers are choosing to convert to fishing to survive. This conversion of activity accentuated by the demographic growth could represent a threat with the overexploitation of marine resources.

To support the productivity of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of resources, WWF has collaborated with FITAME, a local NGO specialized in the support of farmers' communities. Technical reinforcements and material support (endowment: beehives, extractor, etc.) in beekeeping have been made for the fishermen associations of the village which counts about 50 households. Since 2020, 26 hives are now populated, if the objective is to fill 40. This is a promising activity that appeals to the population of Ankobà, because it is not expensive and does not take much time.

This beekeeping project relies heavily on mangroves and dry forests, as the trees produce nectar that the bees collect to make honey. The members of the fishermen's associations in the village are convinced that it is necessary to conserve the mangroves for nature and also for their daily needs.