Ouinhi

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Ouinhi
Benin location map.svg
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Ouinhi
Location in Benin
Coordinates: 7°20′N2°27′E / 7.333°N 2.450°E / 7.333; 2.450
CountryFlag of Benin.svg Benin
Department Zou Department
Government
 • MayorJonas 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]

Contents

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

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

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

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

The mayor of Ouinhi is Jonas Babatoundé Houessou. [5]

Infrastructure & Services

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

  1. ↑ "Ouinhi". Atlas Monographique des Communes du Benin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Ouinhi". www.ouinhi.communedubenin.org. Archived from the original on April 14, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  4. ↑ "BENIN: Half million potential flood victims : WHO". IRIN, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs . Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 "Commune Ouinhi". Ministère de la Décentralisation du Bénin. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Destination Bénin : Ouinhi, au cœur des forêts…". Gouvernement de la République du Bénin. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  7. ↑ "Production de riz au Bénin : une révolution à Ouinhi …". Gouv.bj. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2025.

7°0′N2°27′E / 7.000°N 2.450°E / 7.000; 2.450