Péhunco

Péhunco [pe.œ̃ŋ.ko] or Péhonko [pe.ɔ̃ŋ.ko] often referred to as Ouassa-Péhunco is a town, arrondissement and commune located in the Atakora Department of Benin. The commune covers an area of approximately 1,900 km² and had a population of 78,217 at the 2013 census. ^{[1][2] [3][4]}

Péhunco Péhonko
Commune, arrondissement and town
Péhunco Location in Benin
Coordinates: 10°13′42″N 2°0′7″E
Country	Benin
Department	Atakora Department
Government
• Mayor	Orou Maré Koto
Area
• Total	730 sq mi (1,900 km2)
Population  (2013)
• Total	78,217
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Geography

Péhunco lies in the western part of the Atakora Department, on a peneplain located between the valleys of the Alibori river to the east and the Mékrou to the west. The commune is traversed by seasonal streams and rivers and benefits from a Sudanian (soudano-guinean) climate with a long rainy season (roughly May–October). Elevations are modest and the landscape alternates wooded savanna, gallery forests and cultivated lowlands. ^[1][5]

Administration

The commune (often styled Ouassa-Péhunco in official documents) is subdivided administratively into three arrondissements: Gnémasson, Péhunco and Tobré. These arrondissements include a number of villages and quarters (see RGPH-4 village list for full breakdown). ^[1][2] Péhunco has historically participated in intercommunal cooperation with neighbouring communes (for example within local groupings such as the Communauté des 2KP including Kérou and Kouandé). ^[5]

Population

According to the fourth national census (RGPH-4, 2013) the total commune population was 78,217. Population density is approximately 41 inhabitants per km² (2013 data). Ethnic composition includes a majority of Bariba (Baatombu) and other local groups; the Peul (Fulɓe) are present and constitute a notable pastoral community; smaller minorities include Dendi, Lokpa and others. Languages used locally include French (official), Baatɔnum (Bariba) and local lingua francas. Religious practice is mixed (Islam, traditional religions, Christianity). ^[2][1]

History

Local oral histories and administrative sources state that the settlement grew from Bariba hunting and settlement groups in the 18th century; the place name and some ritual sites (e.g. "pierre noire" / black stone) are referenced in regional monographs. Péhunco's modern administrative identity has been shaped by Benin’s decentralisation reforms (post-1990s) and the creation of communes with elected councils. ^[1][5]

Economy

Agriculture (rainfed cereals, cotton, market gardening in lowlands) and livestock rearing (cattle, goats, sheep, poultry) form the backbone of the local economy. Food crops include sorghum, millet, maize, yams and rice in suitable lowlands; cotton is an important cash crop in some areas. Small-scale trading, artisanal activities and seasonal migration for work supplement incomes. ^[5][6]

Infrastructure and services

Transport

Road access is primarily by rural and departmental roads connecting the town to neighbouring communes (Kérou, Kouandé, Natitingou). Seasonal variations can affect accessibility during heavy rains. ^[7]

Water and energy

Water supply relies on boreholes, wells and small water towers in some communities; electrification remains limited outside the main town, though rural electrification projects and small solar installations have been reported in the Atacora region. ^[1]

Education and health

Péhunco hosts basic education facilities (primary schools and at least one secondary level institution) and basic health centres; service coverage and quality are typical of remote rural communes in northern Benin and are targets of regional development programmes. ^[5][2]

Culture and heritage

The commune is locally known as the "cité des pierres noires" in reference to a traditional sacred stone and related ritual heritage. Cultural life is structured around Bariba traditions, seasonal festivals, markets and local craftwork. ^[1]

Governance

The commune is administered by a mayor and municipal council (conseil communal). The current mayor (as listed by the Ministry of Decentralisation and reported in local press) is Orou Maré Koto (elected following the 2020 municipal elections). ^{[1] [8]}

Security and development challenges

Like other border communes in northern Benin, Péhunco faces development challenges including limited infrastructure, seasonal access problems, healthcare and education gaps, and pressures on pastoralist systems. Local development plans and departmental programmes identify road rehabilitation, water access, and agricultural value-chain support as priorities. ^[6][7]