Populations' perception of the implementation of the project for the development and asphalting of the fishing road in Benin, phase 1

Case of the localities of Fiyegnon I and II, Togbin and Adounko

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyze the perception of the populations of Fiyégnon I, II, I and II, Togbin and Adounko of the implementation of the Fisheries Route Development and Bitumage Project in Benin, phase 1, initiated by the Government of Benin as part of its land use planning policy. The results showed that 93% of the population surveyed perceived the Project as a good initiative and success in encouraging, while 7% saw it as an imposition by government authorities. This feeling is explained, among other things, by their ignorance of the components of the Project and their apprehension to lose their land heritage and economic activities, in particular fishing and market gardening. Thus, for the development of the Fisheries Route Zone, phase 1, the authorities in charge of the Project must carry out, among other things, intensive information, education and communication (IEC) sessions and put in place an appropriate mechanism of participatory approach that should allow better management of the thorny issue related to expropriations for public utility before the realization of the next phase of the Project