Mat making from Cyperus articulatus in mangrove areas: a value chain analysis and economic insights in Benin (West Africa)
Gnansounou, S.C.; SALAKO, K.V.; Bonou, A.; Gbedomon, R.C.; Denon, L.; Assogbadjo, A.E.; Kakai, R.G. (2025). Mat making from Cyperus articulatus in mangrove areas: a value chain analysis and economic insights in Benin (West Africa). Trees, Forests and People 21: 100976. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100976
In: Trees, Forests and People. Elsevier: Amsterdam. e-ISSN 2666-7193, more
|
| Author keywords |
Mat making;Ecosystem services;Provisioning services;Mangroves;Blue economy;coastal management projects;conservation;sustainability |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gnansounou, S.C., more
- SALAKO, K.V., more
- Bonou, A.
- Gbedomon, R.C.
|
- Denon, L.
- Assogbadjo, A.E.
- Kakai, R.G.
|
|
| Abstract |
Coastal zones offer more than fishery and wood. They also harbour overlooked resources vital to economic and social development. This study highlights Cyperus articulatus, a plant species thriving in Benin's mangrove areas and mainly used for artisanal mat-making, a product essential to millions across West Africa. The main aim was to analyse the value chain and the economic performance of the species' mat making sector. More specifically, the study used the case of the "la Bouche du Roy" protected area to map the value chain of the species' mat making sector and assess its economic performance, as well as key factors that influence its exploitation for appropriate decision-making. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining literature reviews, focus groups (n = 18), interviews (n = 20), and surveys (n = 602), while the data was collected from 2023 to 2024. Findings show that the collection of C. articulatus alone contributes 1.21 % to Benin's artisanal GDP. Among all sectors, only collection significantly reduces poverty, with collector profits surpassing the national poverty line. Annually, collectors earn 2.6 million, substantially more than processors (1.5 million), dried plant sellers (1.1 million), and mat sellers (880,402). Furthermore, geographical location (village), age, gender and household size influenced both the rate of exploitation, and the benefits derived from C. articulatus. As a predominantly women-led activity, C. articulatus exploitation presents a strong opportunity for empowering women. The study urges policymakers to implement conservation strategies to sustain this resource which strengthens the blue economy and enhances local livelihoods and resilience in coastal Benin. |
|
