Honey beekeeping and livelihoods prospects related to fair trade in Oku Region – North West Cameroon

Abstract

Oku’s White Honey has been produced for generations in the Kilum-Ijim forest, North-West region of Cameroon. Its white colour and creamy texture are bestowed by special mountainous plants, especially Schefflera abyssinica and Nuxia congesta. This honey is produced in a remote rural area where beekeeping is an important activity for the local economy. However, the trade channel needs to be improved in order to expand the market opportunities. Fair Trade might suit Oku’s White Honey and open up new market opportunities. Fair Trade standards have been internationally defined by Fair Trade Labelling Organizations (FLO) to homogenise certification processes. Athree-month survey (2012-2013) provided a deep analysis of the Oku’s White Honey production system. The social analysis revealed women empowerment and the state of child labour in Oku’s honey production system. The technical analysis highlighted the nature of traditional beekeeping in Oku. The environmental analysis underlined actions undertaken by beekeepers
to protect the Kilum-Ijim forest. A description of honey drink and beeswax  processing illustrates the diversification of bees-products realised in Oku. The economic analysis provides information on quantities produced, benefits and means of commercialisation. Results coming from this deep analysis are referenced
at FLO’s standards and requirements in order to assess if such certification would be possible and  appropriate for this production system. Investments to improve production and certification of Oku white honey may have potential benefits for the ecosystem as well as for the communities living in this particular highlands  environment and some ways forward given.

Key words: Honey, Oku, Fair-trade, household income