Page 43 - CIWA AR25

West and Central Africa

by identifying priority areas for legal framework updates and The study also found that irrigation infrastructure has

alignment to ensure that financing for groundwater development fluctuated significantly over the past four decades, with

is underpinned by strong governance, and offer entry points for a decline in the 1980s, revival in the mid‑1990s, and a more
dialogue on integrating groundwater management into national recent decline in active irrigation and an increase in abandoned
water security and climate resilience strategies. and fallow areas, indicating challenges in sustainability and
maintenance of irrigation schemes. While 51.4 percent of the
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has
basin has favorable biophysical conditions for irrigation, only
customized the IGains4Gains tool for the needs of the Lake
5.5 percent (5.5 million ha) is considered highly suitable when
Chad Basin, providing a platform for data sharing, analysis,
socio-economic constraints are considered. Water availability,
and evidence‑based decision making among stakeholders.
which restricts access in 45 percent of the basin, and market
The tool was introduced via a draft technical report and virtual
accessibility, which limits irrigation development in 55 percent
engagement, with in-person training for Lake Chad Basin
of the basin, are key limiting factors. The most viable irrigation
Commission (LCBC) personnel scheduled for October 2025. This
opportunities are concentrated in the Komadugu-Yobe and
tool supports the integration of data and knowledge on the basin,
Chari-Logone sub-basins.
facilitates enhanced analysis and forecasting of climate change
impacts, and enables targeted capacity-building in decision
The study also contributed to strengthening the capacity of the
support systems for regional stakeholders.
LCBC and that of the management of water resources and climate
resilience through improved knowledge of hydrological and
Irrigation Development Assessment / environmental limitations on sustainable irrigation expansion.
Sustainable Irrigation Development Plan
The completion of the ongoing assessment of irrigation NEXT STEPS
development in the Lake Chad Basin, led by IWMI, has been
delayed to September 2025 because of issues around The project plans to finalize the Sustainable Irrigation Development

contracting and the need for stakeholder engagement Plan in early FY26, with the final report—including scenario

workshops. Preliminary findings presented to the LCBC and evaluations using the validated toolset—expected in September
at the Global Forum on Transboundary Water in June 2025 2025. Findings were expected to be discussed and validated during
in Geneva revealed that over 385,000 hectares of irrigation a final workshop with LCBC in October 2025, after which the project

infrastructure exist across five major sub-basins, with Nigeria will close.

holding the largest share.

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