Impact of bushmeat consumption on health risk management in Southern Benin
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Date
2025
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Abstract
The consumption of bushmeat has been linked to several socioeconomic factors. This study examines
bushmeat consumers in southern Benin, including their motivations, health risks, and groups. In the
Littoral, Atlantique, and Zou districts, 373 people were surveyed. The data were analyzed with R 4.0.2
and SAS 2013 software, and as a result, 74.3% reported consuming bushmeat. Few hunters and
transformers were in Group 1, but many were in Group 2. Group 1 consisted of hunters, processors,
and restaurant owners, whereas Group 2 was mostly illiterate. Bushmeat is eaten for its taste,
nutritional value, and economic and cultural reasons, with many believing it is healthier than domestic
meat. Group 1 and Group 2 consume bushmeat frequently and live in peri-urban and rural locations
near woods for easy access to bush animals. Group 3, which eats bushmeat rarely, is less involved in
the supply chain of bushmeat. Due to poor transit and processing conditions, bushmeat hunting,
processing, and consumption in these places expose people to pathogens and increase the risk of food
poisoning and zoonotic diseases. Education of local residents is necessary to improve food safety and
reduce health concerns. Diversifying income, promoting safer, more sustainable practices, and
encouraging rural youth education require supportive policies. To improve Benin's food security and
public health, this study stresses bushmeat consumers' motivations
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
: Bushmeat, food security, consumption, zoonoses, Benin.
Citation
http://www.academicjournals.org/AJFS