POPULAR PERCEPTIONS AND SAND DREDGING AT DEKOUNGBE IN THE BOROUGH OF GODOMEY (BENIN, WEST AFRICA)

Abstract

Population growth is pushing people to use sands for any useful purpose. To meet this demand and at the same time preserve the coastal zones in the face of the danger of erosion, the Beninese State has opted for the exploitation of continental sand, precisely in the marshy and lagoon zones. middle and on living things. The main objective of this research is to analyze the socio-environmental perceptions and impacts of sand dredging at Dèkoungbé in the commune of Abomey-Calavi. Research of a qualitative and quantitative nature, the reasoned sampling technique was chosen. A total of twenty-eight (28) actors were interviewed. Data collection techniques are observation, interview and administration of the questionnaire with the observation tools, interview guide and questionnaire as appropriate tools. The results reveal that according to popular perceptions, dredging activities pose a threat to their living environment. These activities also have socio-environmental impacts on the population of Dèkoungbé.