Sustainable Resource Management and
Livelihoods Enhancement
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Sustainable Resource Management and Livelihoods Enhancement
Empowering Communities Through Nature-Based Solutions
The Lake Chad Basin is a lifeline for over 50 million people, offering water, land, biodiversity, and economic opportunities. Yet, decades of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-political instability have threatened the sustainability of these resources. The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), through its Strategic Action Programme (SAP 2023–2037), is leading transformative efforts to restore ecosystems and enhance livelihoods across the region.
A Dual Mandate: Sustainability and Prosperity
LCBC’s approach integrates sustainable resource management with inclusive economic development. This dual mandate is reflected in the SAP’s Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs), particularly:
- EQO 1: Integrated and sustainable water resource management.
- EQO 2: Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
- EQO 3: Sedimentation control and land rehabilitation.
- EQO 4: Climate resilience and livelihood diversification.
Strategic Pillars of Action
Water Resource Management
- Rehabilitation of riverbanks and headwaters.
- Construction of reservoirs and irrigation systems.
- Promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
- Conjunctive use of surface, rain, and groundwater.
Land Restoration & Agroecology
- Reforestation and revegetation campaigns.
- Promotion of agroforestry and sustainable farming.
- Deferred grazing and natural regeneration.
- Soil conservation and erosion control.
Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
- Protection of Ramsar sites and biosphere reserves.
- Control and economic use of invasive species.
- Restoration of wetlands and floodplains.
- Conservation of endemic and endangered species.
Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment
- Support for fish farming and sustainable fisheries.
- Promotion of renewable energy and improved stoves.
- Development of income-generating activities for women and youth.
- Strengthening access to markets and financial services.
Lake Chad Biosphere
Reserve Initiative
Enhancing transboundary conservation.
Green Wall Collaboration
Combating desertification and restoring degraded lands.
Community-Based Natural
Resource Management
Empowering local actors.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Pilots
Increasing productivity and resilience.
Achievements and Innovations
Looking Ahead
LCBC envisions a Lake Chad Basin where natural resources are sustainably managed, ecosystems are thriving, and communities are economically empowered. Through the SAP and regional partnerships, LCBC is building a future where environmental stewardship and livelihood enhancement go hand in hand.
By investing in nature-based solutions and inclusive development, LCBC is ensuring that the Lake Chad Basin remains a source of life, prosperity, and resilience for generations to come.
