2000年-世界发展银行全球_Niger___Towards_Water_Resource_Management_107页_6mb

Summary of Report No. 20705-NIR: Niger Towards Water Resource Management

Core Content

This report outlines Niger's water resource management challenges and the Government of Niger's (GoN) strategies to address them. It serves as a comprehensive review of the country's water resources, sectoral demands, and investment programs, with a focus on improving the efficiency and equity of water use. The report also discusses the role of the World Bank in supporting these efforts.

Main Viewpoints

• Niger's Water Context: Niger is a landlocked Sahelian country, the largest in West Africa, with a largely rural and poor population. It has limited precipitation, with most of its land area classified as hyper-arid desert. The Niger River and Lake Chad are the main surface water sources, but both are under threat from drought, pollution, and overuse.

• Water Resource Management Strategy: The GoN has developed a ten-year strategy for water resource management, which includes a 5-Year Plan (PAQ) and a longer-term plan with a 2010 horizon. This strategy emphasizes capacity building, institutional restructuring, and sustainable development.

• Water Sub-Sectors: The report identifies several water sub-sectors, including agricultural, livestock, potable water supply and sanitation, hydropower, and environmental protection. Each sub-sector has specific needs and challenges that require targeted interventions.

• Institutional and Legal Framework: The GoN has initiated the creation of a National Water Commission (NWC) and seven basin-level water management units (UGREs) to manage water resources more effectively. Legal and regulatory reforms are also a priority to support these initiatives.

• Financing and Implementation: The PHN requires approximately $1 billion in investment, with only about 15% of the funding secured so far. The World Bank is involved in supporting the development of a Water Sector Project and Natural Resources Management Project. A more substantial lending vehicle and technical assistance may be needed to ensure the implementation of the PHN.

• Environmental and Social Challenges: The report highlights the environmental degradation and water pollution issues, particularly in peri-urban areas. It also emphasizes the need for community participation and awareness of water-related laws and policies.

• Future Directions: The report recommends a "Business Plan" approach for the PHN, balancing expenditures with anticipated returns and prioritizing projects within a realistic financial framework. It also advocates for sub-regional cooperation and the integration of water resource management into broader development strategies.

Key Information

Water Resource Availability

• Surface Water: Annual availability exceeds 30 billion cubic meters, but only 1% is exploited. Most of it is seasonal and concentrated in the Niger River, which is shared internationally.
• Groundwater: Abundant in rural areas, with some large aquifers in the northern part of the country. However, annual recharge is low, making sustainable yields limited.
• Rainfall: Highly variable, with average annual rainfall ranging from less than 150 mm in the north to about 800 mm in the south. The country has experienced declining precipitation despite record rains in 1998.

Water Use by Sub-Sectors

• Agricultural Water: The main agricultural zone is the sahelo-sudanian with 600/800 mm rainfall. Irrigation is limited to areas near water courses.
• Livestock Water: Water for livestock is a critical need, especially in pastoral areas.
• Potable Water Supply and Sanitation: Access is limited, with 65% of urban poor and 15% of rural poor having access to water. Sanitation facilities are insufficient, contributing to water-borne diseases.
• Hydropower and Multi-Purpose Reservoirs: These are important for energy and water management but require significant investment.
• Fisheries and Wetlands: These are under threat due to water scarcity and pollution.

Institutional Arrangements

• National Water Commission (NWC): To lead national and regional water resource planning, development, and management.
• Water Management Units (UGREs): Seven basin-level units to manage water resources across different regions.
• Decentralization: An ongoing process that affects institutional structures and stakeholder participation.

Financing and Support

• World Bank Involvement: The World Bank is involved in a Natural Resources Management Project and preparing a Water Sector Project. It is also considering more substantial lending and technical assistance.
• Donors and NGOs: The report outlines the involvement of various donors and NGOs in water resource management, including the African Development Bank, European Development Fund, and others.
• Funding Needs: Approximately 85% of the required funding for the PHN needs to be secured, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the GoN.

Challenges

• Environmental Degradation: Soil erosion, sedimentation, and loss of water resources are major concerns.
• Water Pollution: Both surface and groundwater are affected by domestic and industrial waste, particularly in urban areas.
• Population Growth: Rapid population growth increases water demand and exacerbates existing challenges.
• Institutional Weakness: The need for institutional restructuring and legal reforms to support effective water management.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the importance of a coherent and realistic investment program for the PHN, supported by the World Bank and other stakeholders. It outlines the critical role of water resource management in achieving sustainable development and economic growth in Niger, while addressing the challenges of poverty, environmental degradation, and limited financial resources. The GoN has made progress in identifying priorities and initiating reforms, but much work remains to be done to implement these strategies effectively.