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North-east Nigeria

Lake Chad hydrological decline

The lake basin has experienced long-term contraction, affecting fisheries, water availability and transboundary livelihoods. Seasonal water extent has declined under a combination of drought and rising abstraction pressures, and pastoral and fishing households report growing variability in their access to water. Because the basin is shared across borders, coordinated planning and data-sharing remain central to any lasting resilience effort.

Updated Updated 2026-08Severity: Critical
Research & Documentation in progress
Lake Chad hydrological decline photo 1
DOCUMENTATION IN PROGRESS
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Evidence and current condition

  • Documented decline in seasonal water extent associated with drought and abstraction pressures.
  • Pastoral and fishing households report greater variability in water access.
  • Cross-border coordination remains important for basin resilience planning.

Required interventions

  • Water-efficient irrigation and recharge planning in surrounding catchments.
  • Community-based fisheries and livelihood diversification support.
  • Regional data sharing for basin monitoring and early warning.

Funding and support needed

Documentation is being prepared for implementation support and community participation.

Funding progressDocumentation in progress

Covers: Hydrology data, livelihood transition and water management

Potential funding partners

Institutions aligned with this work

ACReSALEIB-NEWMAPWorld Bank environmental programmesState environmental agenciesUniversities and research institutesConservation and development NGOs

These are potential alignment examples, not confirmed funding commitments. Partner documentation will be updated as conversations progress.

How others can help

  • • Donate to support field documentation, community workshops and restoration work.
  • • Partner with the project for research collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • • Volunteer for data review, outreach or event support where available.