2023-10-30 08:34:41
Due to its geographical position, Karimama, a border town with Burkina, Niger and Benin through Park W, has numerous economic and tourist potential which contrast with its level of development and the living conditions of the populations. A situation aggravated at the moment by terrorist threats, poaching and the development of organized crime with the recent closure of the land borders between Benin and Niger and following the economic sanctions of ECOWAS since last July. In addition to poaching operations which devastate the region’s animal resources, there are problems linked to conflicts between foreign breeders and farmers during periods of transhumance. Indeed, the proximity of this town to border countries and Park W, located off the banks of the Niger River, makes this locality a real livestock market.
Karimama is also home to one of the largest markets in the country and the Alibori department. In addition, fishing activities largely occupy the 66,000 souls who live there in addition to the practice of winter and off-season agriculture. These agricultural activities are often put to the test by the passage of breeders who trample on the rules set for the passage of animals through the different corridors. To alleviate a little the often deadly clashes that follow, the municipal authorities offer the possibility, against payment of a flat rate of 10 to 20,000F, to graze the herds on the areas of Bird Island. from December to March. Obeying a rigorous seasonal calendar, the shepherds are forced to leave the island to go to other grazing areas including the areas of Park W, until October. These grazing movements from one area to another take place against a backdrop of settling of individuals who end up engaging in acts of organized crime. Added to this situation is the total imbroglio caused by the Malanville road blockade due to the immobilization of several hundred large trucks, putting activities in hibernation in the region’s main commercial markets.
Ibrahim Yarou Djibril (Coll. Parakou)
QA October 30,
#Commerce #tourism #strain #Karimama