Mr Sanusi Abdullahi, Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission, has said that the Basin has shrunk from 250,000 sqm to 2,500sqm since the 1960s.
Abdullahi said in Addis Ababa that climate change was one of major factors responsible for the decrease.
“The current size of the basin is 2,500 sqm from its original size of 250,000 sqm in 1960s.
“Climate change has caused the shrinkage. As a result of shortage of rainfall over the years, many rivers including River Hadejia and Nguru in Nigeria have been affected with short supply of needed water,’’ Abdullahi said.
He listed human activities, increase in population, rise in temperature, low water volume, and increased demand for land for residential and farming purposes as other factors responsible for the continued shrinking of the Lake Chad Basin.
“Human activities such as farming, cutting of trees and high demand for water as a result of population increase especially across the Lake Chad basin countries, increased water evaporation and unwanted grasses, as a result of low water volume, are also responsible for the shrinkage of the basin,’’ he said.
Abdullahi said a lot of trees have been destroyed as a result of an increased land demand for farming activities which was also identified as factor responsible for erosion and soil degradation.
The activities in turn affected the biodiversity of aquatic animals across the basin.
He said in an effort to resuscitate the basin, the Commission would transfer water from Central African Republic, DR Congo and Congo Brazaville to Lake chad through African water transfer, as agreed by leadership of the affected countries.
“Excess water from these countries will go to Lake Chad to save the Lake from drying up, and provide an avenue for regional trade, shipment, and other economic activities across some landlocked areas in the region will be opened for free movements of goods and services,’’ Abdullahi said.
He said the proposed water transfer would also ensure regional cooperation, trans-border monitoring, enhanced security and economic integration across Africa.
He said the project would be funded by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and other development partners to be supported by a counter funding from members states of the Lake Chad Commission.
“The project will also regenerate the dry land, ensure restoration of forests, provide modified seeds to farmers, educate farmers on livestock rearing and vaccination and also assist fishermen.’’
Abdullahi said a research on the project has reached 80 per cent, while feasibility and environmental assessment was also on going.
He expressed optimism that with the support and determination of the political leaders of the Member States, the project, which would benefit the entire Africa, would be undertaken on schedule.
Abdullahi also urged member states to provide their individual counter-part funding to enable the commission access donor funding by AfDB and other partners.
Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun, Chad, Niger, Libya, Central African Republic are members of the Commission.