Lake Chad Basin Commission

Technical Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT)
2025-01-01 08:00 - 2028-08-29 17:00 (Africa/Lagos)
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)
