Rural women's participation in wild honey hunting and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications: Evidence from South Africa

Wild raw honey hunting and consumption is very popular among rural communities in South Africa as a source of income and food for households. Although men traditionally dominate wild honey hunting, in recent years participation of women has increased. However, evidence of the participation of rural women in wild honey hunting is often lacking. This study focused on assessing the status of wild honey hunting by women, factors that influence their decision to participate and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications. A cross-sectional survey of 200 rural women purposively selected from Ncera communal area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was conducted. The study revealed that an emerging number of rural women were actively involved in wild honey hunting and participation is triggered by age, access to extension services and livelihood diversification, while access to formal honey markets discouraged wild honey hunting. Results further revealed a positive income, dietary diversity, and a significant reduction in food insecurity among participants compared to non-participants.