Challenges and future development of waterways transportation in Benin (West Africa) : the case of Cotonou-Lagos corridor[Enjeux et perspectives du développement du transport fluvio-lagunaire au Bénin (Afrique de l'Ouest) : le cas du corridor Cotonou-Lagos]

Beninese government authorities now advocate improving the use of inland water bodies as an effective, sustainable and resilient response to road congestion and food insecurity. This vision is expressed in numerous projects including the redevelopment of the lakeside town of Ganvié in the commune of So-Ava, the dredging of Lake Ahémé in order to give it a better depth for securing fishery resources, the organization of the transport of passengers between Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou and Porto-Novo. This contribution focuses on the issues, challenges and perspectives of waterways transport and port activities development. The methodological approach is mixed : quantitative and qualitative. It is based in part on the collection of data through semi-directive interviews with the different stakeholders (40 people) : authorities and municipal development associations, populations living on these bodies of water, artisanal and waterways carriers (canoe operators, guides and traders). On the other hand, it is interested in the analysis of statistics from governmental and international institutions, study mission reports and a questionnaire survey of 87 actors chosen in a reasoned manner. The results show that developments on bodies of water in southern Benin disrupt the activities of artisanal fisheries, the transport of passengers and goods by inland waterways, and artisanal local units manufacturing canoes and motorized boats. The reforms will improve the quantity of fishing products, open the possibility of port projection through secondary terminals and waterways stations towards the interior of the country.