Indigenous people in Gabon reduce forest pressure through honey sales

Baka and Bakoya indigenous families in northeastern Gabon have transitioned to making wild honey their primary source of income.

Since 2024, these communities in the villages of Zoula, Imbong, and Ekata have seen a surge in demand for wild honey from city dwellers. The shift occurred because urban residents in cities like Libreville and Oyem value the natural state of the forest honey.

While the honey originally served local dietary needs, a high demand from buyers traveling up to 800 kilometers has turned it into a lucrative commodity. This change has altered the relationship between the indigenous people and the forest, as the production of honey provides a sustainable economic alternative to other forms of forest use. The price of the honey reflects its market value, with costs rising as it moves from the forest to urban centers.

Families can now sell large quantities of honey to satisfy the growing market.