Adjarra
Adjarra is a town and commune in Ouémé Department, Benin.The commune covers an area of 112 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 97,424 people. The town is also known as the "City of Drums" for its long tradition of drum making and musical craftsmanship.
Geography
Adjarra is a commune in the Ouémé Department of southeastern Benin. It covers an area of approximately 112 square kilometres, and is bordered to the north by the commune of Avrankou, to the south by Sèmè-Podji, to the west by Porto-Novo, and to the east by the border with Nigeria. The commune is divided into six arrondissements: Adjarra I, Adjarra II, Honvié, Malanhoui, Aglogbè, and Médédjonou, which collectively include 48 villages and urban quarters.
Hydrologically, Adjarra is influenced by the Black River and the Porto-Novo lagoon to its south, as well as the Aguidi River in the north-east. These water bodies support agriculture and contribute to local livelihoods.
The climate is subequatorial, featuring two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Vegetation includes relic sacred forests, shrubs, tall grasses, and significant stands of oil palm.
Population
As of the 2013 census, Adjarra had a population of approximately 97,424 inhabitants. The majority of residents practice traditional religions, followed by Catholicism, Islam, Christianisme Céleste, and Protestantism.
History
The name “Adjarra” is derived from “Adja-ala,” meaning “branch or wing of the Adja-Tado people.” Adjarra was founded in 1749 by Atawé, an Adja-Tado leader. According to local history, after passing Ouidah and Pahou, Atawé settled in the region, helped by locals, and established the community that became Adjarra.
Economy
Adjarra’s economy is diversified. Agriculture predominates, with cultivation of food crops such as manioc, maize, tomato, legumes, rice and tubers; cash crops include oil palm and peanuts. Livestock raising is common among households. Additionally, there are artisanal activities, small-scale manufacturing, commercial trade, and industries related to transport and cross-border exchanges with Nigeria.
Culture and Tourism
Adjarra is known as the “Cité des Tambours” for its vibrant tradition of drum making and musical instrument craftsmanship. The market for tam-tams, casting and other traditional instruments is a cultural highlight. Sites of historical and spiritual importance include sacred forests, relics, royal palaces, and ritual sites such as the place Ahouanmatin and the site Zoungodo.
Governance
The current mayor is Germain Wanvoégbè. Adjarra has 6 arrondissements and functions under local governance as part of Benin’s decentralization framework.