An evaluation of honey production in the Volta region of Ghana towards certification as a geographical indications (G1) product

Abstract

Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property identifying a prodm:t as originating from a region/locality/territory where its quality and reputation is associated with its geographical origin. Gls arc considered as a plai.;c - specifk quality assurance initiative that enhances the monetary value of a product, hence increase producers' premium. Honey produced by the honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the most commercialized hive product in Ghana. The country may have the opportunity to promote unique honey products through geographical indications (Gls). To improve the economic livelihood of the numerous honey producers across the country, the environment by way of biodiversity conservation. And the country through foreign exchange. Yet very little is known about the potential or Ghanaian honeys in terms or development and promotion through Gls. The same holds for botanical and geographical origins, quality, what a GI honey is and whether Ghanaian consumers appreciate information on food labels and arc even aware of the concept ofgis. This phd investigated the potential of honey from the Volta Region as a GI product in Ghana. This study seeks to increase knowledge about the concept of geographical indications. The investigations also assessed how the GI concept could be introduced to the Ghanaian consumer by assessing how they utilise information of food labels and how familiar they arc with a GI label. The study took place in the Volta Region (for the main honey case studies) and the Greater Accra Region (for consumer studies). In the Volta Region, four honey producing districts (Kadjebi, J\daklu, I Io west and J\katsi south) were selected for the studies. Data were collected from local producer groups on honey Production processes. Harvesting and extraction as wdl as how honey quality is ensured among producers. 1 loncy samples were also analysed for pollen and physico-chemical qualities. Results from pollen and quality analysis together with personal observations enabled the determination of botanical and geographical origins of the honeys and their quality parameters within international standards. Results on food label appreciation and GI awareness by consumers enables the interpretation of how the Ghanaian consumer could be engaged in terms of reaching them with the Gl concept and its benefits. The main investigation was premised on four research questions stemming from the overall objective orthe study. Each research question is presented as a full paper as illustrated below. Paper 1 presents results on the Characteristics c4· a Geographical Indications (Gls) Registered honey through literature review. This is necessary to assess the way forward for developing a GI honey in Ghana in terms of understanding all the important factors that must be developed in order to have one for Ghana looking at what others have done. Many clements were observed to characterise the GI process which I have grouped under three main themes for the purposes of this study. These arc Indicative Elements, which include (reputation for quality, high average price and the coming together of producers into formal or informal organization); E sential Elements, consisting of clear natural or human link to the geographical area of production and Supportive Elements that include (relevant laws by the state and state institutions). Paper 2 presents results on the Botanical and Geographical Characterisation of honey Samples. Pollen types belonging to 21 plant families were identified. Seven families were found in >50% of the samples and are the Most important: :Vlalvaccac (Ceiha sp.). Combrctaccac. J\rccaccac (/:'laeis guineensis). Pouceae. /\stcraceac ( Viguiera sp. ). /\naeard iaccac and Sapindaceac. /\rccaccac (J:'/aeis guineensis: oil palm) and Astcraceac (Viguiera sp.) Were found in l 00% of the samples: Combretaceae in 94% and Poaccac in 88%. Pollen analyses also showed that eight of the honey samples could be described as monotloral. Showing the most dominating pollen types which were Ebenaceae. J\nacardiaceae, Moraccac. Combretaceae and J\rccaceae (Elaeis Guineensis). Also. The Volta Region was the geographical origins of the honey Samples analysed since pollen representation in the honey samples could be traced to the vegetation in the Region. Jt was also easy to differentiate the geographical and botanical origins of honeys from the various Districts. Paper 3 presents findings on the Chemical evaluation (?L Ghanaian honeys within International Physicochemical Standards including: Water (moisture) content. 1 lydroxymcthylfurfural (HMF), ph, Diastase activity, Free acidity and Electrical conductivity. The mean values recorded included Water content 20.1 %; pl I 3.8; HMF 26.9 mg/kg; Diastase activity 15.3 ON; Free acidity 31. L meq/kg % and Electrical conductivity 0.6 111S/cm. Six of the honey samples examined comply with the stipulated limits by the European Commission for ·Table Honey· (wholesome for direct consumption) while the remaining ten were described as Industrial Honeys' (only good for industrial use) as they did not meet all requirements in the EU. Paper 4 presents findings on consumer knowledge of origin (GI) and quality food standard labels in Ghana. The habit of reading food labels is high among the youth in Ghana. The most important factor when reading food labels was date label manufacture and expiry dates. It was also observed that Ghanaians were most familiar with two main ce1titying bodies in Ghana: FDA and GSA. Familiarity with these national certifying logos was high among the youth and females. Results also buttressed the assertion that the GI concept is new and not known among most Ghanaians in Ghana. This study reveals the urgent need for an expanded study for a total botanical and geographical description of Volta honeys. An elaborate strengthening of capacity across the honey production system is also required to ensure that all honeys meet international quality standards. In addition. Producer organisations need to be strengthened in terms of harnessing the power of collective action in the promotion of their produce. Deliberate public education and awareness creation of G Is and its related benefits in the country is recommended through a national GI policy to develop. Promote and protect G ls. The national law of Gls must also be made operational.