Food Security from the Forest: The Case of the Commodification of Baobab Fruit ( Adansonia digitata L.) in Boundou Region, Senegal

Babatunde Owolodun () and Sonja Merten
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Babatunde Owolodun: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
Sonja Merten: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: Wild edible fruits from the forest have often been regarded as poverty food; however, there has been a notable shift in recent years as these wild edible fruits have gained increasing recognition for their significance in global food security, especially in agricultural societies such as Senegal. This paper contributes to the debate on how the forest plays a role in diets and nutrition security using the example of wild fruit (Baobab) found in the Boundou Region in Senegal. The livelihood strategies of people in this region have been subject to external influences, such as climate shock and restrictions enforced as the area became a protected area in 2009. These external influences have resulted in the loss of pasture use and the prohibition of hunting. Restriction of access to these previous commons (pasture, wildlife) diminishes the resilience of the local population. However, a new alternative of seasonal usage of wild fruit, specifically baobab, for commercial purposes has emerged as everybody in the community has unrestricted access to collecting these wild edible fruits within the protected area, which is uncommon in other protected areas. The commodification and commercialization of these wild fruits bring essential cash income to many households, thereby improving food security.

Keywords: food insecurity; food system; wild fruits; livelihood strategy; green grabbing; domestication of wild fruits; commercialization of wild fruits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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