Lake Chad Basin

About Lake Chad Basin

• Lake Chad is located in the Sahel, the vast semi-arid region south of the Sahara desert.
• It is bordered by 4 countries - Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.
• Source of the Lake:It is fed mainly by the Chari River through the Lagone tributary.
• The Lagone tributary used to provide 90 % of its water.
• Significance of the Lake: The Lake is vital for indigenous, pastoral and farming communities in these countries.
• The lake has been supporting drinking water, irrigation, fishing, livestock and economic activity for over 30 million people in the region.
• The Lake Chad basin in west and central Africa covers 8% of the African continent and is home to 42 million people.

What are Issues in the Lake Basin Region?

• Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% in 60 years, and climate change is a significant contributor.
• A 13-year insurgency of the Boko Haramextremist group and other militant groups has destabilized the Lake Chad basin and the wider Sahel region.