Benin Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2003-2005

Republic of Benin
http://www.gouv.bj/

Assemblée Nationale du Bénin
http://www.assembleebenin.org/

The Benin Parliamentary Network for Poverty Reduction has been an active member of the APRN since 2004 and several MPs, parliamentary staff and representatives from civil society have taken part of the various training sessions and other activities of the APRN.

In 2005 and 2006, the Benin Parliamentary Network for Poverty Reduction undertook a community monitoring pilot project that analyzed the impact of the government’s water retention project in the region of Nikki. As a result of this project, the population became aware of the necessity of maintaining these water retainers. Moreover, the MPs were able to suggest a reordering of the government’s financial management of this project so that the local population would be encouraged to maintain these public works.

For more information on the pilot project, please contact: Mr. Simon Adeyinka, Parliamentary Assistant: adeyinkasimon@yahoo.fr

Official name République de Bénin Population 7.9 million (2006) Capital Porto-Novo * Seat of government in Cotonou Type of legislature Unicameral Women in Parliament 7,2% (2006) Major languages French (official), Fon, Ge, Bariba, Yoruba, Dendi % of population below poverty line 33% (2001 est.) HIV-AIDS prevalence 1,9% Literacy rate male: 46.4% female: 22.6% (2002 est.) GDP per capita $1,091 (2006 est.) HDI 2006 0.428, ranks 163rd out of 177 countries