Retained Water in the Commune of Gogounou in Benin: Inventory, Characterization and Management Mode

Abstract

Abstract The present work was carried out with the aim of knowing the characteristics and the management made of the agropastoral dams of the commune of Gogounou which are of a great utility for the local populations. To do this, twenty (20) dams were chosen according to the strategic interest that they present for the population, that is to say a polling rate of 87% on all the dams of the municipality. An inventory of the dams was made according to quantitative and qualitative indicators. The results showed the existence of (04) groups of dams according to the technical characteristics and some qualitative variables. The parameters that lead to the degradation of these dams are often related to the age and type of dam and the place of installation. Groups (2 and 4) are agropastoral dams (100%) and more than half of the dams are on flood sites. Results have also shown that there are management committees around all the dams in the commune of Gogounou, but which are mostly non-functional at almost 75%. Also, it has been found that the breeders are mostly transhumant and sedentary who use (100%) dams for watering animals. This cohabitation between farmers and pastoralists does not occur without major conflicts, in particular, that of land whose settlement is generally peaceful. In short, the management of the dams in the commune of Gogounou is a real challenge to be met for a better development, both economically and socially to guarantee the prosperity of the actors and prepare them to adapt to the vagaries of the climate future.