Uses and socio-economic importance of hides and skins in West Africa

Abstract

In West Africa, hides and skins, as animal products, represent a real economic windfall. This review highlights the importance of hides and skins sector both socio-economically and culturally. The methodology used consisted of the analysis of scientific articles published on the subject. Africa contributes 8 to 14 % to world production of hides and skins but remains marginal in international trade. However, animal remains beyond their importance in commercial exchanges, find a multitude of uses from interior decoration to clothing including even human food in African societies. The production, collection, processing and export of hides and skins employ several million persons. Although often carried out in a traditional and informal way, these activities constitute a source of foreign currency and an essential pilar of livelihoods in rural and urban areas. However, these activities face the challenges of archaic production and collection techniques, a lack of formalization and environmental pollution linked to tanneries. These challenges hinder the development of the leather and skins sector.

Keywords: West Africa, hides and skins, socio-economic importance, use, review