Groundwater Resource Management Strategy in the Nigerian Sector of the Chad Basin

Abstract

Groundwater is predominant source of water supply for domestic and other applications in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin. Excessive groundwater abstractions have caused serious declines in the groundwater levels and increase in cost of operation. Data from 1960-2010 indicated that the water levels of Upper, Middle and Lower aquifers of the Chad Formation declined from – 19.8 m, +11.2 m and +5.80 m to – 33.1 m, + 0.1 m and – 61.81 m respectively. Management strategy for this dwindling scarce resource in the region becomes very fundamental. The paper examines the problems associated with over exploitation of the groundwater from the Chad Formation and proffering management strategy to improve/ alleviate the problems of the existing management practices. The participatory source enhancement and water conservation methods have been determined to be the best management options for the groundwater resource of the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin.

Keywords: Groundwater, Management strategy, Chad Formation, Water level, Chad Basin.