Role of participative communication on lake management in the Sahel: Case of Lake Bam in Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, natural resources are often considered by people as a gift of God that has no limit. This is the case of Lake Bam, the largest lake in Burkina Faso, located in the Bam province. The lake plays an important role in the socio-economic activities  the people who get the most for their existence. Indeed, green beans were produced there, making Burkina Faso the second African exporter of this product after Kenya. Fishing was also well developed there. However, we observe the shrinking of this natural water source because of siltation which is caused by agricultural activities and the adverse effects of climate change. The lake plays an important role in the socio-economic activities of the people who get the most for their existence. Therefore, to address this problem, measures to rehabilitate the lake have been taken, which will include the enhancement of the Lake spillway, the management of 500 ha for agriculture, the rehabilitation of 400 ha of existing cultivated areas. To support the implementation of the project it was agreed to involve communication processes, because communication is also a key challenge that helps address issues in social support for risk processes. The methodology used was based on semi-structured, individual and often focus groups discussion. The study concerned populations around Lake Bam, users of this lake, taking into account the diversity of activities that are undertaken there. It appears from this survey that people are aware of the problem but the way the project was introduced to them does not induce membership. Also, it emerges that another form of communication that integrates the participatory approach must be used to ensure better water resources management of Lake Bam.

Keywords: Lake Bam, siltation, participatory communication, rehabilitation, Territory, Burkina Faso