TYPOLOGY OF SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION FACTORS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BANTE, CENTRAL BENIN

The municipality of Bantè is undergoing changes that negatively impact the environment and the population\'s lifestyle. The main objective of this research is to analyze the factors driving spatial change in the municipality. The methodology adopted is based on data collection, processing, and analysis of the results. A total of 347 individuals, including heads of households and political and administrative stakeholders, were surveyed. Descriptive and correlative data analysis and Correspondence Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to better understand the factors driving land change. The results show that plantation expansion, population growth, soil degradation, the municipality\'s geographic location, agricultural colonization, and land tenure are responsible for spatial changes in the municipality of Bantè. With these changes, the agricultural area increased from 68,499.56 ha in 2000 to 168,091.69 ha in 2024, an increase of 99,592.13 ha, representing 62.37% of the territory of the municipality of Bantè. Over the same period, the natural area decreased by 103,761.52 ha, representing 51.91% between 2002 and 2023. In such a context, land allocation and ongoing monitoring of the communal space are necessary.