Waza-Logone Pilot Project

Chari-Lagone basin

Rising in the Central African Republic, the Chari-Logone river system contributes approximately 95 percent of Lake Chad’s inflow, as a result the ecological integrity of Lake Chad depends heavily upon the integrity of the Chari-Logone system. Lake Chad’s inflows have decreased from a peak of 54 cubic km per year in 1955-56, to 7 cubic km per year in 1984-85. The Logone river forms the border between Cameroon and Chad until N'Djamena where it flows together with the Chari river northwards to the lake. These rivers have a tropical regime with a single flood occurring at the end of the rainy season (August to November). The Waza-Logone floodplains cover approximately 8,000 sq.km in northern Cameroon. The plain starts to flood during the rainy season and is augmented by the Logone river’s flooding until December. The floodplain contains the Waza National Park (1,700 sq.km) which is a biosphere reserve and the Kalamaloue National Park (45 sq.km), which holds significant biodiversity.

Dependency upon the Waza-Logone floodplains

 The Waza-Logone floodplains are very important ecologically due to its high biodiversity, and economically as it supports more than 100,000 people with its resources. The inundated plains are highly productive, providing breeding grounds for fish, dry season pastures that support cattle, and fertile land for growing rice and forestry products. Fish, which constitute the backbone of the regional economy are harvested intensively by the sedentary population and fisherfolk. Nomadic and transhuman herders, whose cattle constitute a critical component of the economy of the sub region, benefit from the grazing.

Pressure upon the Waza-Logone floodplains

The annual flooding of the floodplains is critical for their ecological and economic integrity. Coupled with the effects of poor rainfalls and the over-harvesting of natural resources through the construction of dams (Lake Maga in Cameroon) and irrigation infrastructure there has been a marked reduction in the flooding, of approximately 2,000 sq.km, resulting in declining wildlife and biodiversity, collapse of the fishing industry, reduced grazing capacity and a shortage of surface water in the dry season.

Instititutional Interventions

IUCN Waza-Logone or CACID Project

The IUCN Waza-Logone Project (WLP), which is also known as the Cellule D’Appui a la Conservation et aux Initiatives de Développement Durable (CACID), was started in 1987 with the support of the Government of the Netherlands. Over three phases, CACID did the following:

 (i) Gathered data and conducted studies in socio-economic, ecological and hydrological issues;
(ii) provided training for villages, and study tours and seminars for project and government staff;
(iii) Undertook ecomanagement activities regarding resource management for livestock, sustainable forest use, formed apiculture groups, ecotourism and water and sanitation;
(iv) Actively encouraged community participation and awareness through a communication program;
(v) Catalyzed pilot releases for floodplain rehabilitation through a large-scale reinundation program;
(vi) audited releases made in 1994 and 1997;
(vii) Jointly with the communities drafted proposals for the sustainable use of the floodplains’ natural resources; and
(viii) Assisted in developing management plans for the Waza and Kalamaloue National Parks.

GEF Waza-Logone Pilot Project

Based upon recommendations from the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s member countries and institutions involved, and guided by integrated ecosystems management principles and GEF objectives, the Waza-Logone pilot project aims to support the CACID project and its partners by promoting the sustainable management and use of the basin’s resources (water and biodiversity) by the relevant institutions and communities; and developing and implementing an effective monitoring and evaluation system that looks at the overall ecosystem, hydrology and socio-economic issues. It will operate in Cameroon, over a period of three years, at three geographical scales:

1. (i) water management issues will be addressed at the Chari-Logone Basin level;
   (ii) natural resources use will be addressed at the Waza-Logone floodplain level; and
   (iii) Biodiversity conservation will concentrate in Waza and Kalamaloue National Parks.

The LCBC GEF Project has partnered with the IUCN, Central Africa Office which is the executing agency for  the Waza-Logone Pilot Project. Other partners are the three NGOs  established by CACID:

1. (i) CFAID – a support unit for training in development initiatives that works with farmers to secure and improve agricultural production together with FAO;
   (ii) AIDR – supports rural development initiatives, including credit schemes, working with fishing groups and women organizations with support from DEDC (a German organization); and
   (iii) ACEEN – support an environmental education initiative that is working with WWF.