Technical Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT)

Technical Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT)

Overview

The PARFEBALT Project is a multinational initiative implemented by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) with financial support from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The project aims to lay the technical, institutional, and knowledge foundations necessary for the long-term revitalization of the Lake Chad Basin.

Covering Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic, PARFEBALT responds to the urgent need to address environmental degradation, declining water resources, and socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting millions of people in the region.

The Lake Chad Basin, home to over 45 million people, has experienced significant shrinkage and ecosystem degradation due to climate variability, unsustainable resource use, and demographic pressures, making restoration efforts both urgent and strategic.

 

Project Development Objective

The overall objective of PARFEBALT is to:

Restore the ecological and economic functions of Lake Chad and strengthen the resilience of basin populations through improved water resource management, ecosystem revitalization, and enhanced institutional capacity.

The project also aims to create the necessary conditions for mobilizing large-scale investments for the restoration and sustainable development of the basin.

 

Project Components

Component 1: Preparatory Studies for the Lake Chad Revitalization Programme

Objective: Develop the technical and analytical basis for future large-scale investments.

Key Activities:

• Conduct technical, environmental, socio-economic, and climate studies
• Assess options to improve water flows in the Chari–Logone and Komadugu-Yobe river systems
• Prepare bankable investment programmes for Lake Chad restoration
• Undertake feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessments.

 

Component 2: Support for Improving Knowledge of Water Resources

Objective: Strengthen monitoring systems and enhance understanding of basin dynamics.

Key Activities:

• Expand hydrometeorological and hydrogeological monitoring systems
• Establish early warning systems for floods and droughts
• Improve data collection, analysis, and information sharing
• Build technical and institutional capacities within LCBC and Member States.

 

Component 3: Project Management

Objective: Ensure effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of project activities.

Key Activities:

• Establish and operate the Project Management Unit (PMU)
• Implement monitoring and evaluation systems
• Conduct financial and procurement audits
• Strengthen coordination among stakeholders

 

Expected Results

• Improved knowledge and monitoring of water resources in the Lake Chad Basin
• Development of technically sound and investment-ready restoration programmes
• Strengthened institutional and technical capacities of LCBC and Member States
• Enhanced regional cooperation and coordination in water resource management
• Mobilization of financial resources for large-scale basin restoration initiatives.pdf)

 

Cross-Cutting Themes

• Climate Resilience: Addressing climate variability and strengthening adaptation strategies
• Gender and Inclusion: Promoting participation of women and youth in governance and economic activities
• Regional Integration: Enhancing cooperation among Member States
• Peace and Stability: Supporting sustainable livelihoods and reducing resource-based conflicts.

 

Alignment with Strategic Frameworks

PARFEBALT is aligned with key regional and international development frameworks, including:

• LCBC Strategic Action Programme (2023–2035)
• African Development Bank’s High 5 Priorities
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 15
• African Union Agenda 2063.

 

Financing and Implementation

• Executing Agency: Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)
• Financing Partner: African Development Bank Group
• Total Project Cost: Approximately UA 7 million (AfDB financing).
• Implementation Period: 2025 – 2028.pdf)

 

Conclusion

PARFEBALT represents a critical milestone in the collective efforts of LCBC Member States and partners to reverse decades of environmental decline in the Lake Chad Basin. By strengthening knowledge systems, institutional capacity, and investment readiness, the project lays the foundation for a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for the region.

 

Contact

Implementing Agency: Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)
Financing Partner: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)