Multi-usage des barrages : le cas du bassin du Niger

Abstract

The nine basin states that make up the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) developed a "Shared Vision"for the sustainable development of the Niger basin between 2003 and 2008, including activities and investments to promote regional integration. The core of this long-term strategy is focused on multiple uses of water and coordinated management of dams. The NBA has adopted an infrastructure strategy that includes three new large dams: Fomi in Guinea, Taoussa in Mali and Kandadji in Niger (under construction). The article analyses the potential conflicts between uses (for example between irrigation development and ecosystem protection or between energy production and the maintenance of floods for the Inner Niger Delta). It demonstrates the value of increased regional collaboration to reduce the risks of conflict over water use and to allow each member country to capitalise on the development benefits of transboundary infrastructure. Optimisation and coordinated management of large water infrastructure will be essential for regional collaboration. Finally, the authors propose some methodological principles and key actions that could strengthen this regional collaboration.