Women in West Africa’s Benin Make Centuries-Old Salt Production Methods Sustainable

Women in the village of Djégbadji, Benin, are integrating sustainable practices into centuries-old salt harvesting techniques from the Gulf of Guinea to preserve the local ecosystem and improve economic stability, according to an Inter Press Service (IPS) report published June 25, 2026.

The salt producers operate on the outskirts of Djégbadji, where they harvest minerals from the ocean through a process of evaporation and sifting. The labor is predominantly performed by women who manage the collection and refinement of the salt for local and regional trade.

How is salt harvested in Djégbadji?

The traditional process involves capturing seawater from the Gulf of Guinea and allowing it to evaporate under the sun. According to IPS, women in the region sift through mounds of salt crystals that remain after the water has vanished. This method has been used in West Africa for centuries to provide a primary source of income for coastal communities.

Harvesting typically peaks during the dry season when solar intensity is highest. The women manually collect the salt from shallow basins or the ground, then process it into piles for drying and eventual sale.

Why are sustainable methods being introduced?

Traditional salt production can lead to environmental degradation if not managed. Uncontrolled flooding of land with seawater can cause soil salinization, which prevents the growth of crops and damages the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem.

To counter these effects, the women of Djégbadji are adopting sustainable production methods. These updates focus on better water management and the use of designated evaporation areas to prevent the salt from leaching into agricultural land. By controlling where the seawater is deposited, the producers maintain the viability of the land for other uses while continuing their trade.

What is the economic impact on women in Benin?

Salt production serves as a critical economic pillar for women in coastal Benin. It provides a direct source of revenue that allows women to contribute to household expenses, education, and healthcare.

The shift toward sustainability is not only environmental but also economic. According to IPS, improving the efficiency of the harvest helps these women secure a more reliable income. Better production methods reduce the physical toll of the labor and can lead to a higher quality of salt, which commands better prices in the market.

The organization of these women into collective efforts allows them to share resources and knowledge. This cooperative approach strengthens their bargaining power when selling to wholesalers and helps them implement sustainable changes on a larger scale.

How does this fit into Benin’s broader development?

The efforts in Djégbadji reflect a wider trend in Benin to balance traditional livelihoods with environmental conservation. The government and various civil society organizations have increasingly focused on “green” development to protect the coastline from erosion and pollution.

By formalizing and sustaining the salt trade, the community reduces its reliance on erratic weather patterns and protects the natural resources of the Gulf of Guinea. This transition ensures that the centuries-old practice remains viable for future generations of women in the Ouidah region.