Honey hunting and beekeeping in Adamaoua (Cameroon)

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This book provides the first comprehensive overview of beekeeping and the honey trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, drawing on extensive ethnographic research in the Adamaoua Region of Central Cameroon. Dr. Mazi Sanda, a Cameroonian biologist, and Dr. Martin Gruber, a German anthropologist and filmmaker, conducted interviews and filmed numerous beekeepers and honey traders in the area. They detail honey hunting and beekeeping practices with Apis mellifera adansonii in traditional hives, as well as improved hives, honey harvesting, and the evolving honey trade. With Ngaoundéré as a key trade center, honey has emerged as a significant business. The authors present an ethnographic account of the intricate relationships among humans, bees, and honey, targeting both the academic community and individuals interested in sustainable resource development in Cameroon and the broader region. Reviews highlight the book's insightful introduction to the history and current state of honey production in Cameroon, praising its focus on local beekeeping methods and the inclusion of vivid descriptions and photographs of hive-making. However, it notes a lack of information on beeswax, a valuable export crop in recent years.