N’Djamena 2024: Successful Conclusion of the 3rd Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Basin

The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), in collaboration with the Governments of the Republics of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and the World Bank, successfully organized the 3rd Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Basin. This event was supported by the Lake Chad Recovery and Development Project (PROLAC) and the Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project for North-Eastern Nigeria (MCRP). Held in the beautiful city of N’Djamena from November 5 to 7, 2024, the forum brought together over 300 participants, including researchers, practitioners, community leaders, national and international organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Theme and Focus
The theme of this year’s forum was “Enhancing Local Governance and Social Cohesion for Socio-Economic Development and Food Security in a Changing Climate in the Lake Chad Basin.” The discussions centered on the critical issues of local governance, social cohesion, and the socio-economic development of the Lake Chad region, particularly in the context of climate change.

Key Outcomes
Participants at the forum commended the efforts of the Member States and the LCBC in implementing the Regional Strategy for the Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience of the Lake Chad Basin Areas Affected by the Boko Haram Crisis. The key outcomes of the forum included:
• Improved Rural Connectivity: Projects and programs have significantly enhanced rural connectivity, facilitating better access to markets and essential services.
• Increased Agricultural Yields: Initiatives have led to higher agricultural productivity, contributing to improved food security in the region.
• Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: Efforts have been made to economically empower vulnerable groups, including women and youth, through various development programs.
• Creation of a Regional Knowledge Management Platform: A platform has been established to share knowledge and best practices across the region, fostering collaboration and innovation

Recommendations
The forum participants made several important recommendations to further the development and stability of the Lake Chad region:

1. Support for the MNJTF: Encourage Member States to continue supporting the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to consolidate security gains and prevent a resurgence of terrorist attacks.
2. Institutional Reforms of LCBC: Advocate for support from Member States and their Technical and Financial Partners to implement the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RSS-RR) 2025-2030.
3. Strengthening Local Governance: Support local actors in their efforts to enhance social cohesion and socio-economic development through capacity-building and provision of necessary facilities.
4. Academic and Scientific Collaboration: Promote multidisciplinary and regional research by strengthening collaboration and coordination among universities and research institutions.
5. Improving Land and Transboundary Governance: Prioritize the sustainability of food systems to improve food sovereignty in the Lake Chad Basin.

Conclusion
The 3rd Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Basin highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the region. The LCBC, its member countries and its partners remain committed to fostering stability, recovery, and resilience in the Lake Chad Basin, ensuring a prosperous future for its people.