Houéyogbé
Houéyogbé | |
|---|---|
Houéyogbé Location in Benin | |
| Coordinates: 6°30′32.4″N 1°49′37.2″E / 6.509000°N 1.827000°E | |
| Country | Benin |
| Department | Mono Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Cyriaque Domingo |
| Area | |
• Total | 110 sq mi (290 km2) |
| Population (2002) | |
• Total | 74,492 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Houéyogbé [we.jɔg.be] is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Mono Department of south-western Benin. The commune covers an area of 290 square kilometres and as of 2002 had a population of 74,492 people.[1][2]
Geography
Houéyogbé lies in the eastern section of the Mono Department, between Lokossa to the west, Comè to the south and the Atlantique Department to the east. Its territory extends across sandy and hydromorphic soils, with numerous low-lying areas that retain water during the rainy season and support dry-season market gardening. The commune is also influenced by the ecological dynamics of the Lake Ahémé basin, which shapes local fishing practices and palm-oil production. [3]
Administration
The commune forms part of Benin’s administrative decentralization system and is divided into six arrondissements: Dévé, Doutou, Gbèklanmè, Houéyogbé, Missinko and Sè. These administrative units comprise a total of 58 villages and urban districts. The town of Houéyogbé serves as the administrative and commercial centre, concentrating public services and local governance. [4]
Demographics
In 2013, the commune counted more than 118,000 inhabitants, with women representing a slightly larger proportion of the population. Houéyogbé is home to several cultural and linguistic communities, notably the Xwla, Sahouè, Kotafon and Fon groups, which coexist with smaller Mina and Adja populations. Languages in daily use include Xwla, Sahouè, Fon, Goun and French, reflecting the multilingual character of the region. [5]
Economy
The economy of Houéyogbé is largely rural and depends heavily on agriculture and agro-processing. Cassava and maize cultivation dominate farming activity, alongside vegetable production practiced in the commune’s hydromorphic areas. Palm-oil extraction and processing constitute one of the most important economic pillars, with several localities—particularly Doutou and Sè—known for their traditional oil presses and related trade networks. Fishing also plays an important role in the livelihood of many households due to the proximity of waterways connected to the Lake Ahémé system. Small-scale commerce is active throughout the commune, especially around the Houéyogbé and Doutou markets, which attract traders from neighbouring areas. [6]
Culture
Houéyogbé maintains a strong cultural identity rooted in lagoon and coastal traditions. Rituals connected to water spirits and Vodun deities remain central to social and religious life. Dance performances, ceremonial songs and seasonal festivals continue to play a key role in community cohesion, while traditional leadership structures contribute to conflict mediation and the preservation of customary practices. [7]
Transport
The commune is served by regional road corridors that link Comè, Lokossa and Allada, making Houéyogbé an important point of passage between the Mono region and the Atlantique Department. Many rural tracks remain seasonally affected by heavy rains, which reduce accessibility for agriculture and trade.
Public services
Houéyogbé hosts several primary and secondary schools, health centres, and drinking-water systems including boreholes and local piped networks. Recent expansions of the national electrification programme have improved household access to electricity across multiple arrondissements. [8]
References
- ^ "Houeyogbe". Atlas Monographique des Communes du Benin. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Département du Mono – Overview". Voyages Modestes. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ^ "Organisation territoriale de Houéyogbé". Ministère de la Décentralisation. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ^ "Houéyogbé – Population Statistics". CityPopulation.de. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ^ "Étude socio-économique du Mono". HAL Open Science. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ^ "Patrimoine culturel du Mono". Ministère de la Culture. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ^ "Programme d'accès à l'eau dans le Mono". Benin Water Initiative. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
6°27′N 1°56′E / 6.450°N 1.933°E