Manifestation of WP types in the Niger Basin

S. Cook suggested that finding examples of the five classes would help in their communication and refinement (see previous posts). This post details a few of our findings (some formal, some informal and subjective) regarding the manifestation of the five water poverty categories in the Niger Basin, West Africa. We are particularly interested in alignment between our examples and those presented by the Volta team, given the immediate proximity of these rivers (see previous post)

Where people are deprived of water for basic needs of consumption or sanitation as a result of water scarcity. (Insufficient assets to compensate for physical scarcity)

There is little correlation between physical availability of bulk water and poverty evident at a landscape level of statistical analysis, as is generally understood. Weak evidence exists in North West Nigeria and East Burkina Faso. Availability of protected water (for example, piped sources) however is often associated with poverty, not surprising given its health implications. This relationship is quite widespread. Particular incidences we found include near the east Nigeria/north Cameroon border, and north west Nigeria. A 1% decrease in the number of people accessing water from unprotected surface or well sources is associated with a 0.1 – 0.15% decrease in child mortality rates.

Where people lack equitable access to water. (Political environment & institutions that lead to inequitable access)

There’s a large disparity in the average time taken to access water which may represent differences due inequality. In some regions average time to reach the primary water source is < st="on">Niger). Whether this represents inequity depends on its definition (either as a social constraint or a physical resource scarcity issue also). Also, such geographic differentiation does not well describe inequality due to different social strata in one area. It is difficult to capture this variety of water poverty in landscape statistical models (given the complexity of representing institutions) however can be assessed using case studies.

Where people are vulnerable to water-related hazards such as floods, droughts or disease. (Physical variability & lack of assets to buffer against natural variability)

The Sahel region encompasses a large area of the Niger Basin and is particularly prone to drought. Impact of this risk on poverty is assessed by Hyman et al (2008) (see good discussion of this by the Volta team’s posting below). Parts of Sahel have seen a 30% decrease in rainfall in past 40 years – may return or may represent a new drier reality. This has had a dramatic impact on landscape of north Burkina Faso for instance, where brush described as ‘too dense to walk through’ has now considerably thinned (as shown in photo below). The combination of drought, grazing and cropping pressure has led to soil degradation (due to wind erosion) in some parts of this region also.

Brush in north Burkina Faso

Where people suffer loss of livelihood as a consequence of change.

An emerging issue is conflict between water uses, which have until now been largely avoided simply due to minimal development of the Niger’s water resources. Large dams provide water to those in a particular area who have legal rights to its provision. However, they potentially deprive downstream users. A proposed large dam in Guinea may reduce water flows across the Niger Delta, a large wetland that supports over 1 million people by the natural irrigation of rice. A decrease in flooding extent directly reduces the number of people who can be supported by this agro-ecosystem.

Niger Delta flood plain - a reduction in extent due to upstream water diversions will likely entail a loss of livelihood.