Lake Chad Basin Commission

Preservation of Lake Chad: Contribution to the Lake Development Strategy (FFEM-AFD)
2026-03-27 08:00 - 2026-05-01 17:00 (Africa/Lagos)
Overview
This regional project is implemented by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) with support from UNDP and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It aims to build climate resilience and reduce ecosystem stress in the Lake Chad Basin through the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP), benefiting Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

Objective

To support the preservation and sustainable development of Lake Chad through integrated water resource management, biodiversity protection, and regional cooperation.

Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Lake Chad Basin– Applied
2026-02-25 08:00 - 2026-04-29 17:00
Overview

This project, implemented by GIZ and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supports the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in sustainably managing transboundary water resources. It builds on the achievements of the first phase (2019–2022) and continues through December 2025.

Objective
To strengthen LCBC’s capacity to advise member countries on environmentally friendly, climate-adapted, gender-sensitive, and conflict-reducing management of shared water resources in the Lake Chad Basin.

71st ORDINARY SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF LCBC
2026-02-23 08:00 - 2026-02-25 17:00

Implementation of Regional Stabilization Strategy
2026-02-11 08:00 - 2026-04-30 17:00
Overview

The Regional Stabilization Strategy (RSS) is a comprehensive framework adopted by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in August 2018 to address the root causes of instability and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin. Endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council, the strategy is being implemented across eight targeted territories in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

Objective

To stabilize Boko Haram-affected areas in the Lake Chad Basin through coordinated regional interventions that promote peace, recovery, and resilience.

LCBC-Executed Components

Component: Coordination and Implementation of the RSS

Duration: Ongoing since 2018

Objective: African Union, UNDP, Member States, International Donors
Key Activities

Technical Coordination of Pillars

Coordinate nine strategic pillars of intervention:

Political Cooperation
Security and Human Rights
Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation, Reinsertion and Reintegration (DDRRR)
Humanitarian Assistance
Governance and the Social Contract
Socio-Economic Recovery and Environmental Sustainability
Education, Learning and Skills
Prevention of Violent Extremism and Peace building
Empowerment and Inclusion of Women and Youth

The Regional Stabilization Facility for Lake Chad
2026-02-11 08:00 - 17:00
Overview

The Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) for Lake Chad is a multi-country, multi-partner initiative developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). It supports the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RSS) in areas affected by Boko Haram across Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

Objective

To stabilize Boko Haram-affected areas in the Lake Chad Basin through rapid, flexible, and coordinated interventions that restore security, rebuild infrastructure, and promote livelihoods

Preservation of Lake Chad: Contribution to the Lake Development Strategy (FFEM-AFD)
2026-02-03 08:00 - 2026-02-28 17:00
Overview

This regional project is implemented by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) with support from UNDP and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It aims to build climate resilience and reduce ecosystem stress in the Lake Chad Basin through the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP), benefiting Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

Objective
To achieve climate-resilient, integrated ecosystem-based management of the Lake Chad Basin through policy, legal, and institutional reforms, and investments that improve water quality and quantityprotect biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods.

Preservation of Lake Chad: Contribution to the Lake Development Strategy (FFEM-AFD)
2025-03-10 08:00 - 2025-05-31 17:00
The project is a continuation of the sustainable development program of Lake Chad (PRODEBALT) in progress and in connection with…

5th EDITION OF THE LAKE CHAD BASIN GOVERNORS’ FORUM
2025-01-31 08:00 - 2025-03-31 08:00

Adaptation to Climate Change in the Lake Chad Basin with GIZ
2022-03-01 08:00 - 2022-05-31 17:00
Around 38 million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds currently live in the Lake Chad Basin. Most of these people are…

Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project - PROLAC - LCBC Project
2021-01-01 00:00 - 2025-12-31 00:00
Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project –
PROLAC – LCBC Project
Overview
The Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project (PROLAC) is a regional initiative funded by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), aimed at supporting the recovery and resilience of communities in the Lake Chad Basin. The project is implemented by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) alongside national governments of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Objective
To contribute to the recovery of the Lake Chad Region by supporting regional coordination and crisis monitoring, improving connectivity, and strengthening agricultural livelihoods in selected provinces of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

LCBC-Executed Component
Component 1: Regional Lake Chad Knowledge and Monitoring Platform and Secretariat for the Development of the Lake Chad Region
Budget: US$5 million (LCBC share)
Objective: To reinforce regional dialogue, data monitoring and dissemination, citizen engagement, and social cohesion through the establishment of a regional knowledge and monitoring platform.
Key Activities:

Establishment of the LCBC PROLAC Project Implementation Unit (PIU):

Coordinates regional dialogue and development vision.
Facilitates knowledge creation and dissemination.
Organizes learning and monitoring workshops.

Development of the Knowledge and Monitoring Platform:

Web-hosted platform integrating spatial and temporal datasets.
Collaboration with academic and research institutions.
Capacity building in data collection and geospatial analysis.

Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Region:

High-level event bringing together stakeholders from member states, development partners, and local authorities.
Platform for reporting, harmonizing strategies, and planning new initiatives.

Support to the Regional Coordination Committee (RCC):

Provides oversight and strategic guidance.
Prepares joint action plans and statements.

Expected Results:

Operational regional knowledge platform.
Increased access to development data.
Strengthened regional cooperation and policy harmonization.
Enhanced capacity of LCBC as a regional coordination body.

Cross-Cutting Themes

Gender Inclusion: Ensuring 50% participation of women in project activities and decision-making bodies.
Youth Engagement: Targeted support for youth through training and employment opportunities.
Climate Resilience: Integration of climate-smart practices and data into planning and implementation.

Alignment with Strategic Frameworks

Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RSS)
World Bank’s Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (2020–2025)
Country Partnership Frameworks (CPF) for Cameroon, Chad, and Niger

Contact
Implementing Agency: Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)
Location: N’Djamena, Chad
Email: PROLAC-CBLT@cblt.org
Coordinator: Alio Abdoulaye

Applied Water Resource Management in the Lake Chad Basin with GIZ (2019-2022 Project)
2019-05-01 08:00 - 2022-12-31 17:00
Applied Water Resource Management in the Lake Chad Basin (2019–2022)
Strengthening Transboundary Water Governance, Climate Resilience, and Livelihoods
From 2019 to 2022, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC/CBLT) implemented the project “Applied Water Resource Management in the Lake Chad Basin”, a multi‑country initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving transboundary water governance, and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods across one of Africa’s most fragile and strategically important ecosystems. Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the €5 million project was embedded in LCBC’s broader mandate to ensure sustainable and equitable management of the Basin’s shared water resources. [giz.de]
Context: A Basin Under Pressure
The Lake Chad Basin—shared by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Libya—is globally recognised for its ecological significance and socio-economic value. Yet, decades of climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, and rapid population growth have intensified competition over natural resources. These pressures have further been compounded by insecurity, forced displacement, and fluctuating hydrological conditions.
To respond effectively, LCBC requires robust data systems, strengthened technical capacity, and well-coordinated governance mechanisms that involve governments, communities, and civil society. The project directly supported LCBC in these areas while simultaneously piloting and scaling up practical climate-adaptation solutions at community level.
Project Objectives
The project pursued a central goal:
Enhance LCBC’s capacity to implement transboundary water resource management measures that integrate climate change adaptation and support sustainable agricultural production.
Three core objectives guided implementation:

Improve cooperation between LCBC and its member states through strengthened planning processes, enhanced advisory functions, and streamlined coordination mechanisms.
Operationalize a regional governance structure in the transboundary Waza–Logone/Yaéré area to identify resource-use challenges and jointly develop solutions.
Strengthen LCBC’s technical capacity to develop, manage, and implement measures that support sustainable agricultural production and climate change adaptation at community level.

These objectives were pursued through policy advisory support, technical training, participatory planning processes, and field-level demonstration activities.
Key Achievements (2019–2022)

Strengthening LCBC’s Institutional Capacity

A major achievement was the reinforcement of LCBC’s internal systems and technical competencies. The project:

Enhanced the Lake Chad Information System (LIS)—a regional digital platform for environmental and hydrological data—improving data quality, accessibility, and use in decision-making.
Supported the development and regular update of integrated watershed management tools, enabling LCBC and member states to coordinate transboundary interventions more effectively.
Strengthened strategic planning, project management, and monitoring functions across LCBC departments. [giz.de]

These improvements have increased LCBC’s credibility among regional and international partners, earning recognition in follow-on initiatives such as the World Bank’s PROLAC programme.

Establishing Regional Governance Mechanisms

In the Waza–Logone/Yaéré wetland zone, the project facilitated the establishment of a regional coordination and dialogue platform bringing together:

Water user associations
Civil society actors
Local authorities and technical agencies
Research institutions

This platform is now an official mechanism under the LCBC Water Charter, giving local communities a voice in managing shared water resources and enabling joint identification of cross-border challenges such as flooding, grazing conflicts, fisheries management, and agricultural pressures. [giz.de]

Promoting Climate-Smart and Conflict-Sensitive Livelihoods

Working with local NGOs and agricultural extension services, the project scaled up Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) among farming households in the intervention zone. These included:

Climate-smart water and soil management techniques
Improved seeds and sustainable crop production methods
Community-level training through farmer field schools
Targeted support to women’s agricultural groups

More than 2,000 households adopted these practices, improving food security and helping reduce local tensions over land and water resources as competition intensified.

Improved Resilience and Impact on Development Goals

The project directly contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: by improving agricultural productivity and resilience.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: by integrating women’s groups into training and decision-making.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: by enhancing transboundary water governance structures.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: through climate-adopted farming systems and watershed planning tools. [giz.de]

Lessons Learned

Permanent in-country technical presence greatly enhanced LCBC’s operational effectiveness, fostering trust and improving day-to-day collaboration.
Integrated watershed management tools—combined with the improved LIS—proved essential for evidence-based decision-making.
Building community ownership through participatory platforms reduced conflict risks and supported long-term sustainability.
Flexibility and adaptive management, especially during COVID‑19 disruptions, were critical to maintaining project momentum.

Sustainability and Way Forward
The project received an overall rating of “successful”, demonstrating strong institutional impact and improvements in LCBC’s technical performance. The strengthened LIS, regional governance platforms, and capacity-building outcomes now serve as foundations for continued progress.
These achievements feed directly into the follow-on programme “Applied Water Resource Management in the Lake Chad Basin – Phase II (2023–2025)”, which further expands LCBC’s role as a regional hub for climate-resilient and conflict-sensitive water governance. [cblt.org]
Conclusion
Between 2019 and 2022, the Applied Water Resource Management project significantly advanced LCBC’s mandate to safeguard the Basin’s shared water resources, enhance regional cooperation, and support climate-resilient livelihoods. In a context marked by fragility and environmental stress, the project demonstrated that strengthened institutions, empowered communities, and data-driven decision-making are key to securing sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin.
LCBC will continue building on these gains as it leads regional efforts toward environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and prosperity for the millions who depend on Lake Chad.

Sustainable Management of the Water Resources of the Lake Chad Basin (BGR)
2018-03-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00
Overview

This module is part of the broader technical cooperation between the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project supports LCBC in strengthening its competencies for transboundary groundwater resource management in the Lake Chad Basin.

Sustainable Development Programme of the Lake Chad Basin (PRODEBALT)
2018-02-01 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00
The Sustainable Development Programme of the Lake Chad Basin (PRODEBALT) is one of the responses to the serious problems confronting…

Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Lake Chad Basin with GIZ (2014-2019)
2014-06-27 08:00 - 2019-06-30 17:00
Context
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) was set up in 1964 by the four riparian states Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, with the Central African Republic and Libya joining in 1985 and 2007 respectively. LCBC is the only institution that enjoys the acceptance of all these countries when it comes to resolving cross-border issues. Its mandate is to supervise and coordinate transboundary water projects, protect natural resources, regulate and monitor water usage, and settle disputes. The reorganization undertaken in 2009/2010 has not equipped LCBC to meet the demands placed on it. Additionally, new areas of activity are emerging which require the institution to further adapt its management strategy and expand its capacities.
Objective
LCBC leverages its enhanced planning, cooperation and communication capacities to improve cooperation with its member states.
Approach
This project forms part of the programme Sustainable Water Resources Management of the Lake Chad Basin, which is being carried out in cooperation with the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. The intention is for LCBC to evolve into an information centre and a service provider for its member states and to become more efficient and effective in performing its work using its enhanced expertise.
The project is investing in the institutional reform of LCBC, the consolidation of planning processes, the setting up of a monitoring and evaluation system and an information system (regional database), and the improvement of internal and external communication. It supports human resources development, encourages specialist dialogue with other international commissions and promotes the creation of media products and publications. Improved donor coordination is to ensure that the available resources are used more effectively in future.
Compower, a company based in Karlsruhe, is assisting the programme with the redesign and maintenance of the website and the establishment of LCBC’s internal communication platform, providing the necessary training along the way. AHT GROUP AG, which developed the LIS Lake Chad Information System with the specialist regional databases, is supporting the expansion of LCBC’s IT infrastructure. The company ibes AG from Jena has assisted with the development of the hi-tech server and the training of IT staff and will continue to do so. Königswieser & Network (Vienna), synetz international (Rösrath) and the Integrated Consulting Group Deutschland (Berlin) are providing consultancy services in organisational development, for instance with respect to the reform of LCBC, communication and capacity development activities.
LCBC’s expertise is being enhanced by means of peer support to the relevant departments with the preparation of the initial report on the environmental and socio-economic status of the Lake Chad Basin and the annual monitoring reports. AHT GROUP AG is also providing assistance in this context. The departments are being trained in using and maintaining the information system and the internal communication platform. At the same time, activities are conducted to enhance LCBC’s expertise in the area of climate change.
Results
The cross-departmental Internal Experts Meeting and the Water and Climate Coordination Group, which were set up to facilitate cooperation with other institutions from the member states, have already improved coordination at international level and encouraged mutual support among the different actors.
The information management system has been adapted to meet the new challenges faced by LCBC through the addition of a range of databases, improvements to the internal IT infrastructure (hi-tech server) and the establishment of a dedicated internal communication platform to improve staff communication. This is improving the efficiency of interdisciplinary and cross-departmental cooperation through the use of standardised data. This data is being utilised as the basis for the first report on the environmental and socio-economic status of the Lake Chad Basin, which is due to be completed in 2015.
Thanks to the introduction of cross-departmental planning and monitoring of activities, programmes and projects, it is now possible to draw up strategic annual operational plans in time for the annual meetings of the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers agreed in April 2015 to implement the reform proposals drafted by the project in order to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and expertise of LCBC.
