Promoting cultural heritage for tourism in Mededjonou and Malanhoui districts (Adjarra Municipality, Southern Benin)

The municipality of Adjarra in general, and the districts of Médédjonou and Malahoui in particular, are rich in cultural heritage. However, this cultural wealth is not being properly promoted. This results in a loss of income for the population and local authorities. This research aims at analysing the promotion of the cultural and tourist heritage of the districts of Médédjonou and Malanhoui in southeastern Benin. The methodological approach adopted in this research revolves around data collection, data processing, and analysis of results. Two main data collection techniques were used: documentary research and field surveys. The tools used for data collection were primarily a questionnaire, an interview guide, and an observation grid. To conduct the field surveys, a sample of 97 people was selected. The collected data was processed using Word 2010 (for word processing), Excel 2010 (for database design, tables, and graphs), and ArcGIS 10.1 (for maps). The results were analysed using the SWOT model. Based on field surveys, interviews with local stakeholders, and strategic analyses, it highlights a rich but underutilised cultural heritage, comprising both tangible assets (traditional masks, carved drums, sacred forests, voodoo shrines) and intangible assets (initiation rites, oral storytelling, indigenous knowledge). Tourism promotion rates vary greatly from one locality to another: from 0% in Lindja-Dangbo, where the sites remain little known, to 33% in Médédjonou and Ouèkè, where community initiatives are beginning to emerge. Malanhoui stands out for its improved accessibility thanks to developed trails and rudimentary signage, encouraging local visits. According to data from the Adjarra town hall, nearly 70% of young people in the research community are involved in heritage-related craft activities, including drum making, basket weaving, and pottery. These skills represent an important economic lever, but suffer from a lack of structure and professionalisation.