project

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)

Investment Planning for the Sustainable and Equitable Development of the Lake Chad Basin’s Natural Resources (PIBALT) Background The Lake Chad Basin, 2.5 million km² in size, is a living space for nearly 45 million people, including 2 million living around the lake. The ecosystem is under strong pressure due to: the effects of climate change; hydrological variability; the degradation of biodiversity; the rapid increase in population; socio-economic fragilities exacerbated by insecurity (Boko Haram and ISWAP). In order to respond to these challenges, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has adopted a New Strategic Action Programme (SAP 2023-2037), requiring a Five-Year Investment Plan (FYIP) to structure priority actions.   Overall objective Rebuild the economy of the Lake Chad Basin through sustainable, efficient and equitable exploitation of natural resources, through the development of a five-year Investment Plan based on SAP (2023-2037).   Specific objectives Assess the impact of the first Five-Year Investment Plan (FYIP 2013-2017). Identify and prioritize investment actions aligned with the environmental objectives (EQO) of SAP (2023-2037). Strengthen the capacities of regional and national institutions. Mobilize technical and financial partners for the financing of Lake Chad Basin projects.   Expected results Short-term (during the project) Full impact assessment of the 1st FYIP. Development of a 2nd Five-Year Investment Plan including at least 20 bankable project sheets. Organization of a validation workshop and an investor round table. Medium term Improved governance of water and natural resources. Strengthening the climate resilience of communities in the basin. Capacity building of the LCBC and Member States.   Beneficiaries Direct Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) National Water and Environmental Management Institutions Institutional actors from the 5 countries of the conventional basin: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, CAR. Indirect The 45 million inhabitants of the basin and the 2 million living around the lake. Women, youth and vulnerable groups, whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.   Project components Component I: Development of the 2nd Five Years Investment Plan   Evaluation of the 1st FYIP (2009–2018) Identification of sectoral investment opportunities Agriculture Ageing Fishing Energy Trade and navigation Development of at least 20 project sheets aligned with SAP EQOs Development of the 2024 - 2029 Investment Plan Climate risk assessment and development of a resilience plan Support for the organization of the donors' round table   Component II: Project Management (LCBC) Administrative functioning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, audit.