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This research analyzes the changes in extreme events in the Ouémé River basin and their impact on the socio-economic populations Basin to Ouémé Bonou. The methodology used consists of technical statistical data of the rainfall series 1951-2000. On this series, the maximum depth of precipitation in 24 hours was determined by the theory of large numbers. From the series of maximum depth rainfall indices such as average and the deviation from the mean were determined. Moreover, the vulnerability of human settlements to the maximum rainfall was assessed as a result of field investigations and use of the matrix of Leopold et al, 1971. Analysis of these data shows that the watershed of the river Ouémé had on the series 1951-2000 rainfall variability, marked by a high occurrence of extreme events. This situation leads to increased frequency of floods that cause major damage like ecosystem degradation, loss of crops and the decimation of livestock products box (poultry, goats, pigs). This weakens the economic fabric of the basin and therefore creates a context of food insecurity. In situations of extreme rainfall, people adopt proactive strategies and reactive, like early harvests, temporary migration of the crops to non-flooded plateaus and summary accommodations for the crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]