Chad Basin Research Articles

Fostering international and trans-boundary cooperation in the management of Lake Chad fisheries, wildlife and flora: the role of a trans-boundary Ramsar conservation area

The Lake Chad basin is one of the most politico-ecologically complex regions in Africa. The rapid global climate change caused by decades of unsustainable resource utilization has not only impaired the ecosystem function but has escalated further conflict with the associated terrorism in the region. This paper reviews the notion of environmental peacebuilding through the introduction of trans-boundary conservation as a mechanism to achieve peace and harmony in the Lake Chad region. The proposed trans-boundary conservation area will restore ecosystem services, conserve biodiversity, improve livelihood, and reduce poverty in the Lake Chad basin. The paper provides justification for the establishment of the “Lake Chad trans-boundary Ramsar site” as an example of how a trans-boundary conservation area could act as a catalyst for improved political cooperation using inter-linkage with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements in the region.

Conflict Dynamics and Obstacles to Peace in the Lake Chad Basin: Analysis and Perspectives for a Positive Dynamic of Peace.

Conflict Dynamics and Obstacles to Peace in the Lake Chad Basin: Analysis and Perspectives for a Positive Dynamic of Peace.

Groundwater storage dynamics in the Lake Chad Basin revealed by GRACE and a multi-sensor signal separation approach

Groundwater storage dynamics in the Lake Chad Basin revealed by GRACE and a multi-sensor signal separation approach

ECOWAS Protocol on Migration, Porous Borders and Dynamics of Armed Banditry in Nigeria

The dialectics that have led to an explosion of free movement of persons within ECOWAS borders largely constitute a new dimension of security threats in the region. The security threats emanating from incessant human migration within the region have predictably distorted the security architecture of Nigeria, thereby posing colossal pressures on the Nigerian armed forces, as well as leading to the loss of human lives, properties, and financial resources. The study investigated how ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and porous borders in the West African region orchestrate armed banditry in Nigeria. The work was anchored on the Qualitative-Descriptive method of analysis, and ‘inelastic political will’ was adopted as an analytical construct that explains the inability of ECOWAS member governments as well as the Nigerian government to employ sustainable strategies in tackling the ever-changing security threat dimensions within the region. It was revealed that chaotic and explosive cross-border migration of persons in West Africa has a relationship with the new dimension of armed banditry in Nigeria. The study recommended that the ECOWAS framework that promotes the free movement of people be reviewed and amended to address current security crises in the region. Also, there is a need for the Nigerian government to reinforce viable and strong diplomatic ties with the neighboring countries such as Benin, Chat, Niger, and Cameroon regarding border infrastructure development and security enhancement mechanisms to cover ungoverned spaces in the Chad Basin Region.

The Impacts of Quality Management Success Factors on the Quality Performance of Construction Projects in the Lake Chad Basin

In the Lake Chad Basin, the drivers of poor-quality performance of construction projects are multi-dimensional, which are compounded with issues related to insecurity and climate change. In the North-Eastern region of Nigeria, an estimated US$ 3.3 Billion was the cost of damages to housing and other public building infrastructures, with an estimated US$ 1.2 Billion needed for reconstruction and repairs to the damaged infrastructures due to activities of various terrorist organizations. Therefore, there is need to deliver projects of high standards as well as to device means to continuously assess their performance throughout the project life-cycle. Hence, this survey examined: the relative impacts of quality management success factors, and determined their effects on the quality performances of construction projects in the region. The study is limited in scope to the Anglophone speaking part of the region. A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed using both a convenience and snowball sampling techniques to the available respondents, ably represented by construction professionals with vast knowledge and years of working experience in the Nigeria’s state of Yobe, being a frontline state in the Lake Chad Basin, and 59 of the questionnaires were successfully retrieved, and analysis was done with the aid of SPSS, a social science analysis software. Findings indicates that, the quality management success factors with the highest relative severity index on the quality performance are: project manager’s previous work experience and supervision skills; project manager’s technical competence and good leadership skills; taking appropriate security measures on project site; project planning, monitoring and evaluation; project team technical capabilities; completeness and consistency of design document; and clear and well detailed contract documents. The quality management success factors will have an overall 59.7% significant cause-effects influence on the quality performances of construction projects in the region. Further findings revealed that, the most significantly impacted quality performance measures, are: minimal or absence of rework; time taking in rectifying defective components and services; satisfaction by end users’, customers and stakeholders; absence of observable defects after project completion; cost of rectifying defective components and services. This study has added to the existing body of knowledge, and has succeeded in bringing to light quality management success factors that are peculiar and applicable to areas devasted with challenges of insecurity and climate change.

Forced migration and pressure on agro-pastoral resources in the Far-North Region Cameroon.

One of the major consequences of insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin is the massive dis-placement of populations towards secure territories. The influx of forced migrants is accompanied by increased exploitation of agro-pastoral resources. This is the case in the northern part of Cameroon, which since 2014 has hosted more than 100,000 refugees and 350,000 internally displaced persons, most of whom have agriculture and livestock farming as their main activities. The aim of this article is to show how forced migration contributes to the pressure on agro-pastoral resources (agricultural land, grazing land, wood resources). The study is based on field observation, supplemented by reports from organizations responsible for supervising migrants. Field surveys of a sample of 262 individuals, representative of the population under consideration were carried out in the territories of Moskota, Mozogo, Mokolo, Koza and Tokombéré bordering Bornou in Nigeria. Primary data were completed with data from the International Organization for Migration's Dis-placement Tracking Matrix (DTM), and UNHCR reports on statistics relating to refugees and in-ternally displaced people in northern Cameroon. The results of data analysis show that settlement of forced migrants has exacerbated the degradation of grazing land, forest reserves and the conflicts between farmers and breeders linked to the difficult access to agriculture plots (25% of conflicts), grazing land (58% of conflicts), water and firewood.

Ad-hoc Security Initiatives in Africa: a New Type of Security Community?

Abstract Specific transnational security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin (lcb), the Sahel, and parts of Central Africa have necessitated a collective response in the form of ad-hoc security initiatives (asi s). These asi s represent distinct structures and operations which could be viewed in contrast to the United Nations (UN) or African Union (au) peacekeeping operations, Regional Economic Communities (rec s) interventions or even other collective security approaches further afield such as, the North-American Treaty Organization (nato) or Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (osce). The asi s are therefore a display of a unique arrangement which warrants serious discussion within international relations theory. Through an analysis of the rci-lra, mnjtf and the G5 Sahel Joint Force, this paper seeks to examine whether these asi s can be identified as security communities using the conceptual framework initiated by Emmanuel Adler and Michael Barnett (1998). A careful examination of the task forces finds that while the asi s display convincing degrees of mutual trust and a collective identity – some defining features of a security community, its overall compatibility is limited by its inability to guarantee the expectation of peaceful change for citizens, based on its purely militarized approach. In addition, the asi s have not demonstrated the ability to operate independently from external sources of funding, which has the potential to influence dynamics within the arrangement. However, this discussion does point to useful ideas on how the framework of security communities needs to consider the complexity of contemporary conflicts in defining expectations of peaceful change.

Multinational Joint Task Force: Lessons for Comprehensive Regional Approaches to Cross-Border Conflict in Africa

Abstract The recent proliferation of cross-border conflicts in Africa has led to the establishment of multiple Ad Hoc Security Initiatives (asi s) on the continent. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has varied considerably. As such, there is now increased academic and policy interest in the Multinational Joint Task Force (mnjtf), which has seen substantial operational success over the course of its mandate. This paper seeks to contribute to the debate on the strengths and weaknesses of the mnjtf model and the effectiveness of the Force in the Lake Chad region through an exploration of the mnjtf from an internal perspective. The authors of this paper have both worked closely with the mnjtf in recent years and the paper is based upon interviews with current and former mnjtf personnel, staff of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (which oversees the mnjtf) as well as donor and UN partners. In exploring this internal perspective, the article undertakes an in-depth examination of the mnjtf, including the relationship between the headquarters and the sectors, and assesses the impact the mnjtf has had upon the Troop Contributing Countries (tcc s). It identifies areas where the mnjtf has become a regional hub of best practice, challenges that have compromised its effectiveness, and the impact of military diplomacy on the security of the region. Finally, it concludes by drawing lessons from this experience for other conflicts requiring a comprehensive regional and international response.

Integrated 3D geological analysis of hydrocarbon maturation and migration in rift basins: Insights from the Niger Chad Basin

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon maturation and migration in rift basins, with a particular focus on the Niger Chad Basin. The research employs advanced geological techniques, including 3D modelling, to provide essential insights. The use of 3D modelling techniques enhances the reliability of source rock data by accurately predicting vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and temperature values. This validation highlights the crucial importance of robust source rock characterization in hydrocarbon exploration. The role of fault systems in hydrocarbon drainage and accumulation is a prominent finding, with large-scale intra-basinal faults directing basin dynamics effectively. The timing of hydrocarbon generation relative to seal formation emerges as a pivotal factor affecting oil trapping, emphasizing the temporal aspects of petroleum system elements. The Madama Sandstone Formation plays a dual role as a reservoir rock and conduit for oil transmission, underscoring its significance in the hydrocarbon system. Its extensive lateral spread facilitates hydrocarbon drainage, revealing valuable insights into rift basin dynamics. In the future, further research should delve into the intricate interactions within rift basin systems, focusing on fault systems, source rocks, and reservoir rocks. Investigating the influence of lateral lithostratigraphic heterogeneity on hydrocarbon migration pathways is essential. Moreover, applying 3D modelling techniques to diverse rift basins worldwide will broaden our understanding of hydrocarbon maturation and migration, facilitating more precise resource assessments and exploration strategies. This research advances informed decision-making in hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Armed Conflicts and Household Socioeconomic Status in the Lake Chad Basin: A Random Coefficient Model Approach

Abstract This study extends the existing literature on the relationship between armed conflicts and the socioeconomic status of households in Lake Chad Basin (LCB) countries by adopting a random coefficient model to analyse micro-panel data covering the 1997–2020 periods. The random coefficient approach allows for country-specific effects in explaining variations in both the nature and degree of the effects of conflict due to differing country characteristics. The result evidenced a significant negative effect of the average impact of armed conflict on poverty, while the coefficient of educational outcome is insignificant. The country-specific results point to significant inter-country variations in the impact of armed conflicts on poverty and education outcomes. The descriptive statistics result shows that the inter-country variations could be attributed to differing quality of institutions. Finally, environmental degradation and macroeconomic uncertainties do not appear to bear a systematic relationship with householdsʼ level of socioeconomic status in the Lake Chad Basin. These findings indicate that a uniform and blanket adoption of public policies by government in Lake Chad Basin countries will not yield a significant positive result. Therefore, governments, practitioners and academicians should contextualise policies/recommendations meant to improve socioeconomic status of households in conflict, while strengthening the quality of institutions to ameliorate the impact of conflict on socioeconomic status (SES) of households.

A new MATLAB code for locating lineaments in the earth’s crust from gravity data—a case of the transition zone between Benue basin and Lake Chad basin: Cameroon

A new MATLAB code for locating lineaments in the earth’s crust from gravity data—a case of the transition zone between Benue basin and Lake Chad basin: Cameroon

Groundwater Resources of the Transboundary Quaternary Aquifer of the Lake Chad Basin: Towards a Better Management via Isotope Hydrology

A multi-tracer approach has been implemented in the southwestern part of the Lake Chad Basin to depict the functioning of aquifers in terms of recharge, relationship with surface water bodies, flow paths and contamination. The results are of interest for sustainable water management in the region. The multi-layered structure of the regional aquifer was highlighted with shallower and intermediate to deep flow paths. The shallower aquifer is recharged with rainwater and interconnected with surface water. The groundwater chemistry indicates geogenic influences in addition to a strong anthropogenic fingerprint. The intermediate to deep aquifer shows a longer residence time of groundwater, less connection with the surface and no to only a little anthropogenic influence. Ambient Background Levels (ABLs) and Threshold Values (TVs) show the qualitative status of the groundwater bodies and provide helpful information for water resources protection and the implementation of new directives for efficient and more sustainable groundwater exploitation.

Integrated framework for hydrologic modelling in data-sparse watersheds and climate change impact on projected green and blue water sustainability

Climate and hydrologic hazards pose a threat to the distribution of watersheds’ water resources in time and space, necessitating planning for sustainable resilience and adaptation. Hydrologic modelling has emerged as a potential solution for understanding watershed responses to projected climate change, and a prediction model that can deliver actionable information is necessary, although it requires basin-scale observations to calibrate the model to reliably predict basin-scale water resources hazards. Such luxury is not always tenable in watersheds with inadequate ground-based observation. However, satellite-based evapotranspiration (ET) data coupled with a machine learning feature selection as a data refinement process has made integrated water balance modelling widely regarded as a viable alternative for improving the capability of watershed modelling processes in data-sparse regions. This study developed a convincing hydrologic model framework to sufficiently calibrate and provide accurate behavioural solutions for all model responses. The framework was applied to four sub-basins that form the larger Lake Chad basin. The model results were applied to assess the dynamic changes in projected blue and green water resource sustainability in response to climate change in one of the sub-basins. Study findings indicate that hydrologic fluxes can be simulated accurately with varying degrees of acceptability, with R2 and NSE values in the range of 0.69–0.88 and 0.45–0.77 for calibration and 0.69–0.79 and 0.34–0.63 for validation, respectively, and captured within a satisfactory uncertainty range of P-factor and R-factor values of 0.68–0.93 and 0.73–1.31, respectively, in 83%, 67%, 85.7%, and 81.3% of the sub-watersheds based on multi-site simulation despite distinct watershed morphology, although there are significant trade-offs in parameter sensitivity. Whilst green water is the dominant freshwater component across the basin relative to blue water, climate change may be a significant factor influencing changes in the projected green water sustainability status, and the combination of socioeconomic drivers and climate change may significantly impact the projected blue water sustainability status across the basin. Projected changes in the green and blue water sustainability status have shown that more than 50% of the watershed will become ecologically fragile. In addition, the identified freshwater geographic sustainability hotspots may be beyond restoration without adequate long-term river basin water resource plans.

WITHDRAWN: Heavy metal concentrations, water quality and health risk assessment of freshwater fish from the Lake Chad basin

WITHDRAWN: Heavy metal concentrations, water quality and health risk assessment of freshwater fish from the Lake Chad basin

Modelling groundwater recharge, actual evaporation, and transpiration in semi-arid sites of the Lake Chad basin: the role of soil and vegetation in groundwater recharge

Abstract. The Lake Chad basin, located in the centre of northern Africa, is characterized by strong climate seasonality with a pronounced short annual precipitation period and high potential evapotranspiration. Groundwater is an essential source for drinking-water supply, as well as for agriculture and groundwater-related ecosystems. Thus, assessment of groundwater recharge is very important although also difficult because of the strong effects of evaporation and transpiration, as well as the limited available data. A simple, generalized approach, which requires only limited field data, freely available remote sensing data, and well-established concepts and models, is tested for assessing groundwater recharge in the southern part of the basin. This work uses the FAO dual-Kc concept to estimate E and T coefficients at six locations that differ in soil texture, climate, and vegetation conditions. Measured values of soil water content and chloride concentrations along vertical soil profiles together with different scenarios for E and T partitioning and a Bayesian calibration approach are used to numerically simulate water flow and chloride transport using Hydrus-1D. Average groundwater recharge rates and the associated model uncertainty at the six locations are assessed for the 2003–2016 time period. Annual groundwater recharge varies between 6 and 93 mm and depends strongly on soil texture and related water retention and on vegetation. Interannual variability of groundwater recharge is generally greater than the uncertainty of the simulated groundwater recharge.

Prospective geothermal well and heat catchment locations in Nigeria: Remote sensing interpretations and field validation

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy that is environmentally friendly and will help reduce greenhouse emission resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. Nigeria has numerous geothermal surface manifestations like hot and warm springs in most parts of the country that has not been exploited or explored due to the initial high cost of exploration. Most research conducted on geothermal energy prospects in Nigeria considered specific geographical sections. Due to the geological features of Nigeria, the direct and indirect tectonic activities, there is the need to map the thermal anomalies over Nigeria to determine likely geothermal wells and ground heat catchment in Nigeria. Forty years remote sensing dataset (1980–2019), was obtained from the MERRA-2 for three hundred and two (302) locations across Nigeria. The acquired thermal parameters were processed using known models. The data was also analyzed statistically and spatially using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). The results of show that the Gummel-Kumaganum areas of chad basin, Owode-igbo ora areas of the Dahomey basin, Belli area of the basement complex in Taraba state, potiskum areas of the Upper benue Basin, Ekpoma-kwale, itu areas of the Niger delta basin are middle geothermal wells with the terrestial radiation of < −702 W/m2 while the terrestial radiation >200 W/m2 in the Gummi area of the sokoto basin, Hunkuyi area of the basement complex in the northeast, Gashua area of the chad basin, Ozubulu-idah area of Anambra basin, Atijere area of the Dahomey basin, Agbasa, Omoko, Akamkpa area of Niger delta basin, Shaki area of the southwest basement complex are heat catchment regions. Other heat catchment areas had been identified for standalone energy generation. Also, the thermal anomalies in those areas were significant. The validation of the result was achieved via benchmarking similar geothermal well around the globe and ground truthing at Ijebu-Ode Nigeria. Based on the thermal reversal depth (TRD) concept, Ijebu-Ode may have a deep geothermal well with temperatures pattern similar to geothermal wells in other parts of the globe. It is recommended that ground measurement should be carried out in the basement complex to cater for geothermal systems whose mechanism is based on conduction.

Navigating shifting currents: Gendered vulnerabilities and climate change in the Lake Chad Basin

abstract This focus piece examines the gendered impacts of climate change, using the Lake Chad Basin as a focal point. The Basin intersects four sovereign states (Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad) impacting close to 10 million people. Historically a beacon of biodiversity, the Basin has undergone significant transformations due to climatic shifts, directly affecting the local communities who are dependent on its resources. The narrative highlights women’s unique vulnerabilities and central roles within these communities, emphasising the necessity of a gender-centric approach to climate resilience and policy-making. Drawing on the insights and lived experiences of local women, a comprehensive roadmap of interventions is proposed. These include investing in water-saving technologies, providing alternative livelihood training, ensuring access to health services, and creating platforms for economic participation and advocacy. The importance of cross-border collaboration and robust monitoring systems is also underscored. By intertwining localised experiences with broader policy recommendations, this work aims to establish a replicable template for addressing gendered vulnerabilities in climate-affected regions globally. In doing so, it champions a paradigm shift towards more inclusive, just, and effective climate action, ensuring that the unique needs and roles of women are at the forefront of our collective efforts towards a sustainable future.

Multinational Joint Task Force’s counterinsurgency in the Lake Chad Basin and the consequences of Chadian exit for the Northeast, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprising soldiers from the Lake Chad Basin countries (Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Benin), has been countering insurgency in the region since 2015. Frictional relationships resulting from mutual distrust affected the commitments of MNJTF contributing countries in counterinsurgency operations in Lake Chad. Chad, notably, considered itself an arrowhead in the counterinsurgency due to the laxity of other coalition countries. The devastation its soldiers suffered and the waxing strength of the operation of Boko Haram and allied groups in the region motivated the late Chadian President Idriss Déby to declare in December 2019 the exiting of his soldiers from the MNJTF to concentrate on protecting the borders of the country. The study relied on extant literature and explorative qualitative techniques to investigate the consequences of such exit on northeast Nigeria. At the very least, it reveals that Chad’s exit betrayed the MNJTF counterinsurgency coalition and has negative consequences for the security complexity in northeast Nigeria.

Intercommunal violence, insurgency, and agropastoral conflict in the Lake Chad Basin region

ABSTRACT The Lake Chad Basin region has experienced a steep increase in violence and instability since 2010, associated with ethnic identity conflict, ecological degradation, and insurgency. This article explores the association between the activities of insurgency groups – focussing on the perpetration of violence against civilians and state actors – and agropastoral conflict, against a background of ecological stresses in this region. The article finds a pattern of close spatial and temporal proximity between agropastoral conflict and insurgency violence, suggesting that there is a significant intersection and overlap between socio-economic grievances, compounded by ecological stresses, and violent instability.

Modeling vadose zone hydrological processes in naturally occurring piezometric depressions: the Chari-Baguirmi region, southeastern of the Lake Chad Basin, Republic of Chad

The Chari-Baguirmi region, southeastern of the Lake Chad (Africa), has a wide naturally occurring piezometric depression with values deeper than the expected regional groundwater level. To date, the most widely accepted hypotheses to explain its origin and dynamics are based on lack of rainwater infiltration and exfiltration processes. The code HYDRUS-1D is applied to numerically simulate the hydrological flow processes along the unsaturated zone in two soil profiles located in the central part and on the boundary of this piezometric depression under bare and vegetated soil coverage. The simulated time period is 2004–2015 with 715 mm annual rainfall average. The computed recharge with respect to total precipitation accounts for 21% on the boundary and 12% in the central part, which is limited by thick silty low permeability layer on the top surface. Considering modelling uncertainty and limitations under the simulated climatic conditions, the rainfall effect is observed only at upper soil layers, which leads to low aquifer recharge, while the upward water flux causing water table evaporation is very low. Past climate conditions, capable of developing a drying front to reach the water table after thousands of years of drying and geological structural constraints, may explain the current depressed area.