Songhai Centre

Songhai was founded at Porto-Novo in 1985 by a Dominican priest of Nigerian descent, Godfrey Nzamujo, on the principle that nothing should leave the system as waste: crop residues feed animals, animal waste feeds biodigesters and fish ponds, pond sludge fertilises the fields. It trains people from across Africa, runs its own processing and shops, and has been replicated in several other countries.

What you actually see

• The closed loop - waste from each part of the system feeding the next.
• The biodigesters - the units converting animal waste to gas and fertiliser.
• The fish ponds - the aquaculture integrated into the cycle.
• The training programme - the students who come from across the continent.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. Tours run on weekdays and must be arranged. The centre is a working operation.

Honest expectations

This is a working training centre, not an attraction, and tours must be arranged in advance. It is spread out and involves a good deal of walking. The shop and restaurant are the easiest parts to access.

Nearby

Porto-Novo is beside it, and Adjarra is north.