The ministry says the goal is to stop wild bushmeat consumption that is strongly rooted in local habits and culture not only in rural areas but also and above all in cities.

A local anti-poaching organisation known as DABAC (Development of alternatives in the poaching in central Africa) is assisting the government by promoting hedgehog breeding. With funding from the European Development Fund, the DABAC conducted a study that concluded that 30 percent of meat consumption nationwide came from hunting.

ABEAC chairperson Lisette Florence Peyo, a civil engineer, has been hedgehog breeder since 2001. Her farm has now 140 hedgehogs taken care of by two people. A mature hedgehog can weigh up to 4 kilos are can be sold for 20,000 Francs CFA (about €6,5)