Ganvie is a lake village in Benin Republic, lying in Lake Nokoué, near Cotonou. At the time of my visit, they were at a population of about 20,000 people. It is said to be the largest lake village in Africa.
In Ganvie Lake Village, I saw family members, friends, lovers, a church, a mosque, a school. I saw people that have chosen to carve out a part of the world, make it their own and call it their home. It's a very unique way of life in which the community members find solace in one another and in their alternative reality
Originally based on farming, the village's main industries other than tourism are now fishing and fish farming.
The roles in the community are quite fixed for the family unit. The father catches the fish, the mother hawks produce and the children sell the fish in neighbouring markets. Everyone performs their roles with great pride and honour
A woman fetches water in Ganvie Lake Village
The community school in Ganvie Lake Village
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A salon for the women to beautify themselves in Ganvie Lake Village
A woman rows her 2 children home from school after a day of pursuing knowledge and education in Ganvie Lake Village
The hotel for out of town guest in Ganvie Lake Village
Fishermen are out fishing in Ganvie Lake Village
A girl holds up fish for sale from her fathers catch of the day
