Valorization of water resources in Senegal for economic, social and sustainable development

Abstract

Senegal has a rich and diversified hydrological potential. The bulk of surface water reserves are located in the basin's rivers Senegal and Gambia, whose waters originate from the Fouta Djallon massif. Alongside these large rivers, there are smaller rivers (Casamance and Kayanga) and small watersheds with temporary flows. Groundwater resources are also an important part of Senegal's water heritage. Unfortunately, water resources are now threatened by anthropogenic actions of diverse origins (extensive agriculture, mining, illegal fishing, bushfires, domestic use along watercourses, etc.) and the adverse effects of climate change. Also, inadequate water management policies increase the water scarcity and are often not conducive to sustainable water resources management. The impact of water shortages is felt on all socioeconomic activities (particularly in the agriculture sector, which is the main user of water in the country), but also in the supply sector water. Thus, for several decades, the Senegalese government has pursued a water control policy aimed at providing water users in sufficient quantities and of appropriate quality according to their usage. In order to correct the heavy trends in water resources sector and to satisfy various demands, Senegal has for some years been committed to a national policy for integrated water resources management (IWRM) and an action plan focusing on taking into account cooperation on shared watersheds.