Ouinhi
Ouinhi | |
|---|---|
  Ouinhi Location in Benin | |
| Coordinates: 7°20′N 2°27′E / 7.333°N 2.450°E | |
| Country |  Benin |
| Department | Zou Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jonas Babatoundé HOUESSOU |
| Area | |
• Total | 186 sq mi (483 km2) |
| Population (2013) | |
• Total | 59,381 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Ouinhi [wi.ni] is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Zou Department of south-western Benin. The commune covers an area of 483 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 59,381 people.[1][2] It is bounded on the north-west by the commune of Zagnanado, south-west by the commune of Zogbodomey, south by the commune of Bonou and east by the commune of Adja-Ouèrè. The commune is divided into arrondissements which include Dasso, Ouinhi, and Tohu, comprising 28 villages.[3]
The arrondissements of Ouinhi and Dasso were struck hard by the 2008 Benin floods in July 2008, tearing down mud and straw homes and infrastructure and polluting rivers.[4]
Geography
[edit]Ouinhi is a town and commune in the Zou Department of south-western Benin. The commune covers an area of approximately 483 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 59,381 inhabitants.[5] It is bounded to the north by the commune of Zagnanado, to the west by Zogbodomè, to the south by Bonou, and to the east by Adja-Ouèrè.[6] The commune is divided into four arrondissements: Ouinhi, Dasso, Sagon, and Tohouè, comprising about 40 villages and urban quarters.[6]
Culture and Demographics
[edit]Ouinhi is inhabited primarily by the Mahi and Fon peoples, along with Holli, Nagos, and Yoruba communities.[6] The local languages include Mahi, Fon, Holli, and others. [5]
Economy & Agriculture
[edit]Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. Major food crops include rice (notably in bas-fonds), maize, manioc, peanut, yam, and sweet potato.[6] Ouinhi also has natural deposits of gypsum, laterite, sand, gravel, and limestone.[6] In 2025, a 400-hectare irrigated perimeter was launched at Ahogo-Ouokon within Ouinhi commune under the PACOFIDE project to boost rice production.[7]
Governance
[edit]The mayor of Ouinhi is Jonas Babatoundé Houessou.[5]
Infrastructure & Services
[edit]With decentralization reforms, the commune has gained more responsibilities in managing potable water services, although delays and resource constraints remain challenges as identified in recent studies.
References
[edit]- ^ "Ouinhi". Atlas Monographique des Communes du Benin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Ouinhi". www.ouinhi.communedubenin.org. Archived from the original on April 14, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ^ "BENIN: Half million potential flood victims : WHO". IRIN, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Commune Ouinhi". Ministère de la Décentralisation du Bénin. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Destination Bénin : Ouinhi, au cœur des forêts…". Gouvernement de la République du Bénin. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ "Production de riz au Bénin : une révolution à Ouinhi …". Gouv.bj. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
External links
[edit]7°0′N 2°27′E / 7.000°N 2.450°E
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