In the Sahel, a semi-arid region that runs the width of the African continent, watering holes and other underground sources have sustained nomadic peoples for centuries. Unfortunately, in recent decades, recurrent droughts, overexploitation of water resources, and demographic changes have taken their toll on these limited resources. Through regional cooperation, this impact can be better managed. Together with Member States in the region and regional authorities, the IAEA is engaged in a technical cooperation (TC) project that is working to ensure the sustainability of groundwater sources throughout the Sahel.
We sat down with Dr Mohammed Danasabe Bila, a representative of the Lake Chad Basin Authority, to hear his thoughts on the regional TC project.