The Volta River Basin

An assessment of groundwater need

Martin Jäger & Sven Menge

Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR)

April 2012

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Acronyms

AGW-net African Groundwater Network AMCOW African Ministerial Conference on Water BAF Burkina Faso BGR Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CT Continental Terminal DANIDA Danish International Development Agency GEF Global Environmental Fund GIS Geographic Information System GLOWA Global Water Cycle GW Groundwater GWP Global Water Partnership GWRM Groundwater Resources Management HQ Headquarter IRD Institut de Recherche et Dévéloppement IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management L/RBO Lake/River Basin Organization L/R/ABO Lake/River Association of Basin Organizations MC Member Country Mamsl above mean sea level Mgt Management NBA Niger Basin Authority NE North East NFP National Focal Point NGO Non-Governmental Organization VOLTA-HYCOS Volta Hydrological Cycle Observation System NW North West SE South East SIDA Swedish International Development Agency SP Strategic Plan SW South West SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TBA Transboundary Aquifer UNDP United Nations Development Program UNEP United Nations Environmental Program VBA Volta Basin Authority WRM Water Resources Management

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Contents Acronyms ...... 3 1. Introduction ...... 5 2. Objectives ...... 5 3. Topography...... 5 4. Vegetation and Climate ...... 9 5. Geology ...... 12 6. Groundwater and Groundwater Governance ...... 14 7. Socio-Economy ...... 17 8. Interviews ...... 18 9. SWOT-Analysis ...... 18 9.1 Strengths...... 18 9.2 Weaknesses ...... 18 9.3 Opportunities ...... 19 9.4 Threats ...... 19 10. Conclusions ...... 19 11. Recommendations...... 19 12. References ...... 21

Appendix 1 : Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO

Appendix 2: List of interviewees

Appendix 3 : Transcripts of interviews

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1. Introduction The African Groundwater Network (AGW-net), the Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR) and SPLASH have agreed on the need of bringing groundwater on the political agenda by promoting the integration of groundwater management into the mandate of Lake and/or River Basin Organizations (L/RBO). The idea is to assess by interviewing the staff of the L/RBO to what extend groundwater is taken into account and what kind of actions is needed to integrate groundwater in the activities of the respective L/RBO.

2. Objectives The general objective of the study is, based on the results of the consultations to selected L/RBOs, to develop targeted and prioritized recommendations for improving groundwater management in the L/RBOs. This report summarizes the physical, (hydro-) geological, socio-economic and environmental conditions of the Volta River Basin as well as the water governance policy of the Volta Basin Authority, which is one of the nine L/RBOs selected for consultations.

3. Topography The Volta River Basin 1 is located centrally in the West African region between the latitudes 5°N to 14°N and the longitudes 2°E to 5°W. It stretches over a surface area of approximately 414.000 km² and the territories of 6 African countries as following: Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Côte Ivoire and Ghana. Its average runoff into the sea is estimated at 38 km³ (Kasei, 2009).

1 The Volta River Basin will be called hereafter Volta basin, while the geologic defined Volta Basin as referred to under the later chapter Geology will be called sedimentary Volta Basin. Page 5

Fig. 1 Location of Volta Basin (Source: GLOWA-Volta Project)

It is a generally low relief basin with elevations ranging between 0 m to 920 m above mean sea level (mamsl) and has accordingly a mean elevation of 257 mamsl. The low relief coincides with low channel grades.

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Fig. 2 Topography of Volta Basin

Generally the Volta Basin Catchment is divided up into 4 sub catchments in accordance to its main rivers as ensues:

(1) Mouhoun (Black Volta) (2) Nakambé (White Volta) (3) Oti River and (4) Lower Volta

The River Black Volta has its source in the SW of Burkina Faso (BAF). First , it follows a flow path towards the NE before turning to a southward direction in central western BAF, then following the border line between Ghana and BAF as well as between Côte Ivoire and Ghana further to the south and finally diverts to the east towards Lake Volta. The sub catchment with its runoff of 243 m³/s contributes 18% to the total flow into Lake Volta (Kasei, 2009).

The White Volta starts its flow path in northern BAF and is directed southeasterly towards Ghana, where it meanders through the Upper East and Northern Region with its low lying terrain at about 120 mamsl and ecologic savannah zone before entering into Lake Volta. Its sub catchment shows a runoff of 272 m³/s and contributes 20% to the total flow into Lake Volta (Kasei, 2009). The building of the Bagre Dam in 1993 with a surface area of 33.120 km² significantly changed the flow regime.

The River Oti having its source area in the Atakora range in NW Benin flows first along the border between Benin and BAF, and then crosses N Togo terrain before following the Togo/ Ghanaian border and entering into Lake Volta. The Oti catchment constitutes the smallest of the sub catchments with a surface area of 72.778 km², but covering 40% of Togolese terrain (Kasei 2009). Its topography is largely steep as parts of the mountain ranges Atakora and Akwapim more or less

Page 7 parallel to the Oti River oriented, constituting a part of it. The runoff from this sub catchment reaches 254 m³/s, thus it contributes 25% to the total flow into Lake Volta (Kasei, 2009).

The Lower Volta sub catchment is located largely in Ghana and only with a small part in Togo between the two sub catchments of the Mouhoun and Nakambé. It receives surface water flows from Togo and Ghana. In its environments the Lake Volta ³ is situated, one of the largest men made rivers worldwide with a surface area of 8500 km² and a capacity of 148 km (Kasei 2009). It developed after the building of the Akasombo Dam in 1961 with its intended hydropower generation of 900 MW.

Table 1: Major river system of the Volta Basin (Barry et al., 2005)

Volta Basin System Area (km2)

Black Volta 149,015

White Volta 104,752

Oti River 72,778

Lower Volta 62,651

Total 389,196

The water resources of the basin are quite vulnerable considering that the relation between total volume of rainfall and total annual discharge are tightly connected. It was calculated that a significant (more than 50%) runoff only takes place if more than 340 km³ of rainfall are received within the basin. Therefore a small change in rainfall will cause a much larger change in discharge (Andreini, 2000). For the Akasombo dam a continuous decline in discharge could be remarked over the last 30 years with less than 1000 m³/s.

Fig. 3 Annual discharge series of the Volta River at Senchi before and after the construction of the Akosombo Dam (Mamdouh, 2002)

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4. Vegetation and Climate The vegetation in the basin ranges from humid tropical forests near the Atlantic coast in the S, dry forest to savannah with short grass at the desert border in the North. Due to its location, the Volta Basin covers the equatorial forest zone, Guinea and Sudan Savannah and a small fraction of Sahel (see Fig. 4).

Fig. 4 Climate Zones of the Volta Basin (Barry et al, 2005)

Landmann using amongst other Landsat ETM+ imagery (see fig. 5) found that between 1990 and 2000/2001, 18 percent of the total land cover in the Volta basin were transformed from woodland with additional shrubs to herbaceous vegetation, 15 percent were modified from closed woodland (40-95% tree cover density, TC) to a open woody vegetation (15-40% TQ, and 10 percent were transformed from closed woodland (40-95% TC) to herbaceous vegetation (Landmann et al, 2007).

Wetlands amongst others can be found in the following two areas: a) the plain between the Penjari River and the Atacora Range in northwestern Benin which is characterized by seasonally flooding (Speth P et al, 2010) and b) the Northern Region of Ghana which is characterized by an extensive flooded plain (see Fig. 5 ).

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Fig. 5 Satellite picture of the Volta Basin derived from Landsat ETM+ imagery (GLOWA-Volta Project)

The climatic conditions in the basin are semi-arid to sub humid. That means that for semi-arid conditions the precipitation is lower than the evaporation for 6 – 9 months of the year and for the sub humid ones vice versa. Its climate is influenced by the movement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), thus its dry and rainy seasons. North of latitude of 9 °N a tropical climate with only one rainy season exists, covering more than 50% of the basin. The southern basin divides up into a humid south climate showing two distinctive rainy seasons and a tropical transition zone with 2 rainy seasons that follow close one another (Kasei, 2009).

The rainfall distribution shows two gradients. Firstly along a North to South oriented axes where 360 mm/year mark its northern end in BAF and 1600 mm/year its southern end in the SE of the basin. Secondly along a W to E axis with 2100 mm/ year in the SW of Ghana and 800 mm of precipitation per year in the SE of Ghana (see Fig. 6). An average of 80% of the total rainfall occurs with the monsoonal rains from July to September. Since the 1970ties a change in the precipitation pattern was recognized leading to the disappearance of almost 100% of the second rainy season in the basin (Kasei, 2009).

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Fig. 6 Isohyets in the Volta Basin from 1990 to 2000 (Opoku-Ankomah, 2000)

The mean annual temperature differs from 27 °C in the S to 36 °C in the N (with an annual range of 9 °C). The pan evaporation is estimated at 1500 mm/year (S) and 2500 mm/year (N) respectively. During the rainy season up to 80% of the total precipitation evaporates (Kasei, 2009). The value for the real evapotranspiration varies between 10 mm/day during the rainy season and 2mm/ day during the dry season. The average potential evapotranspiration ranges between 2500 mm (N) and 1800 mm (S) (Kasei, 2009).

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5. Geology The geology of the Volta basin mainly differs in three parts according to lithology and structural setting. The middle part and the North of the basin persists mostly of crystalline basement and bedrocks, while in the South as well as in a NW-striking zone along the northwestern margin sedimentary rocks are predominant. To the east of the basin in a NNE-SSW striking zone, parallel to the mountain ranges of the Togo Fault belt also sedimentary rocks which are partly metamorphosed in line with the structural development of the continental crust during the time of the Pan African orogenesis (ca. 1 mill. to 550 mill. years ago), can be found (Wright et al, 1985).

The main geologic units inside the hydrological defined Volta basin are: 1) area with crystalline rocks of the West African craton (Birimian) 2) the sedimentary Volta Basin 3) the Togo Belt 4) the Taoudeni Basin and 5) The Continental Terminal;

Fig. 7 Geologic units and network of groundwater monitoring stations in the Volta Basin (Volta Basin Authority, 2011)

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The current theory of the development of cover rocks in the basin suggests that the sedimentary formations were deposited in a continental shelf environment at the margins of the West African Craton (Wright et al, 1985). During the Pan African orogenesis the West African craton and the easterly lying shelf sediments were thrusted upon the East Sahara craton (see Fig. 8). Thrusting and folding along NNE to SSW lying structural elements as well as the metamorphoses of respective sedimentary rocks inside the Togo Belt were resulting. The rocks found inside the Togo Belt belonging to Buem and Togo Formation are assumed to be the eastern succession to the sedimentary rocks found in the sedimentary Volta Basin (Wright et al, 1985).

Fig. 8 Cross section cutting the area of the Togo Belt (Wright et al, 1985)

Inside the first geologic unit there are mainly metamorphic rocks to be found like gneisses, sequences of metamorphic volcanic and clastic rocks similar to the ones in greenstone belts and granite intrusions. The final formation of the crystalline rocks happened during early to late Proterozoic times.

The sedimentary, sometimes metamorphic rocks to be found in the geologic units 2 to 4 are similar to each other and there are indications that rocks of the Buem and Togo formations are the eastern continuation of the formations Lower and Middle Voltaian inside the sedimentary Volta basin (Wright et al, 1985). The general structural setting inside the sedimentary Voltaian basin is equal to a synclinical form, thus the elder rocks are situated towards the basin center while the younger rocks follow concentrically towards the basin margins.

The Lower Voltaian, as well as the Togo formation deposited during a period from 1000 mill. years to about 650 mill. years ago, comprise mainly of sequences of sandstones and siltstones and subordinate shales and mudstones. There are some carbonates, cherts and conglomerates to be found (Wright et al, 1985). The Middle Voltaian and the Buem Formation deposited during Infracambrian to Cambrian times, is made up of a basal conglomerate with an assumed thickness from 2000 to 4000m, followed by carbonates which are brecciated or slumped, cherts and silicified argillites and finishes in their upper part with shales, silt- and sandstones (Wright et al. 1985).

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Rock sequences of the Togo Formation are differing to the Lower Voltaian in so far as they are becoming metamorphic, folded and dissected along NNE-SSW striking thrust faults with increasing intensity towards the east. The Buem formation was less affected by the orogenetic event than the Togo Formation by metamorphoses of the rocks but more severely by thrust tectonics resulting in the stacking of inclined thrust sheets one upon the other (Wright et al, 1985). Only inside the sedimentary Volta basin still a third formation, the Obosum Formation can be found, which is being interpreted as a molasses sequence developed during the uplift of the adjacent areas especially of the Togo Belt during the Pan African event. Accordingly, its lithology comprises mainly of continental conglomerates and sandstones with an approximate thickness of 400m and deposition occurring from Cambrian to at least Silurian times (Wright et al, 1985).

Inside the geologic unit 4, Taoudeni Basin, a somewhat differing sequence of sedimentary rocks in relation to the Volta sedimentary Basin and The Togo Belt has been developed due to the different milieu of deposition changing often from continental (e.g. fluviatil) to marine as well as a different source area of the sediment of clastic rocks. Referring to the area of the structural unit, sandstones and other clastic rocks of Infracambrian to Ordovician times predominate. They are following in striking and inclination a very mildly folded synclinical form which developed in the area of the Bobo –Dioulasso embayment. Towards the northern margin of the basin sedimentary rocks like the silicified Bandiagara sandstone of fluvio-deltaic origin and late Infracambrian to Cambrian time are outcropping (Wright et al, 1985).

The geologic unit 5, the Continental Terminal, is generally made up of continental sediments resting on marine formations of cretaceous age. The formation of its rocks dates back to a time period from Neocene to Quaternary (CGMW-UNESCO, 1987) and they are predominantly consisting of sandstones.

6. Groundwater and Groundwater Governance Many communities depend largely on GW in order to cover their water needs. The yields in most parts of the basin are little however of relatively good quality requiring only minor treatment (World Bank report, 1992).

Generally two main aquifer-systems can be distinguished in the Volta Basin: a) On the area of the geological unit 1, the Birimian crystalline rocks, the groundwater flows mainly in the zone of weathered rock preferably above impermeable layers of weathered rock with high clay content. b) In the area of the geologic units 2 to 4 the groundwater flows along fissures and fractures through the Infracambrian to Paleozoic sedimentary rocks which show low porosity (Obuobie E, 2008).

In some areas high values of GW recharge has been observed. Friesen who investigated the water balance in the basin estimated that the average net groundwater recharge 2 reaches 5 % of the average rainfall of 1002 mm/a in the basin, thus about 20 km³/ a (Obuobie E, 2008).

An example for the aquifer-system b) and a relatively good recharge of GW can be found in the geologic unit 4, belonging to the Taoudeni Basin. The area receives about 900 mm of rainfall per year (see Fig. 5) and persists of a relatively permeable succession of flat lying sedimentary rocks (see fig.

2 For reasons of comparison: the annual groundwater recharge for Germany for the period 1961 – 1990 was 48,2 km³ (source: BGR) Page 14

9). The city of Bobo-Dioulasso which is situated in the same area therefore can use a considerable portion of groundwater to cover its water needs (Derouane et al, 2006; Ministère des Infrastructures, de l’Habitat et de l’Urbanisme, Burkina Faso, 2001; Martins, 2005) (see Fig. 10).

Fig. 9 Sketch profile of lithology at Bobo-Dioulasso, Volta Basin, according to information from Ministry of Infrastructure of Burkina Faso (2001)

Fig.10 Groundwater production for towns in the Volta River Basin (Martins, 2005)

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In the basin sub catchment of the White Volta both aquifer-system, a) and b), are common as the crystalline as well as the sedimentary geologic units cover it. From data on groundwater recharge in Ghana in 2006 and 2007 Obuobie estimated by using the Water table fluctuation method (WTF) that the overall mean groundwater recharge in the White Volta basin of Ghana is 70.0 mm in 2006, representing 8.0 % of the mean annual rainfall for that year and 92.0 mm in 2007, representing 7.0 % of the mean annual rainfall (see fig. 11).

Fig. 11 Spatially interpolated groundwater recharge in the White Volta basin in the Northern Region, Upper West and Upper East Region of Ghana, in 2006 (Obuobie E, 2008).

Since 2009 the Volta Basin Authority (VBA) carried out 3 fora on groundwater management in the basin. The main focus lied on the exchange of groundwater data and the improvement of knowledge on groundwater. The focal points of the member countries and representatives of the competent hydrogeologic services were present. During the last forum three common groundwater indicators for the basin showing groundwater conditions and its importance for socio-economic considerations were defined. The three indicators are: Renewable water per capita, proportion of groundwater used in water supply and groundwater abstracted with respect to total recharge. Member countries are now in the process to calculate respective indicators on basis of their existing data.

In line with the implementation of IWRM-policies the VBA has founded boards for a number of sub- catchments as follows: Mouhoun Basin Board, Nakambé Basin Board, Gourma Basin Board and White Volta Basin Board. The respective boards shall implement and adapt the IWRM action plans.

The network of groundwater monitoring wells in the member countries of the VBA is being depicted in Fig. 7. Accordingly the monitoring wells are mostly lying in northern Ghana, on the central stripe from southern to northern Burkina Faso, towards the NE border between BAF and Mali inside the

Page 16 area of the Taoudeni Basin and in NE-Benin. Water quality monitoring is strongly under represented apart from the basins portion in Benin.

In Ghana the groundwater management has been supported from side of DANIDA and CIDA. During the project from 1997 up to 2006 GW-data was collected from a range of different state agencies and NGOs. Resulting from the project was a GW-database embedded in a GIS with 10.000 borehole records and a Metadatabase storing 400 hydrogeology related reports as well as 100 technical scientifically papers.

In northern Ghana a considerable groundwater use has been stated lying in average at around 30.000 m³ per year for a grid cell of 81 km². In rare places maxima up to 500.000 m³/a per grid have been recognized (see Fig. 12). In the southern part of Ghana the groundwater use drops dramatically and rarely reaches 3000 m³/a per grid cell.

Fig. 12 Groundwater use in Ghana (GLOWA –Volta-Project)

7. Socio-Economy Within the basin there are 18.6 million inhabitants living. The population growth was estimated at 2.54 % (CPWF, 2007) and doubles therefore every 30 years. Poverty rates among the population are high and lead to an extensive migration which itself contributes to the increasing pressure on agricultural land.

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Population density in the basin varies from 104 persons/ km² in the White Volta Basin in Ghana to 8 persons / km² I the Black Volta Basin in Côte d’Ivoire. The mean population density is estimated to be 42 persons / km² (WRI 2003).

From 70 to 90% of the population earn their living hood from small scale subsistence farming with low productivity while only a few commercial farms exist which seek more and more possibilities for efficient production with small scale irrigation schemes. Often livestock production accompanies the land cultivation or constitutes a main source of income like e.g. in northern BAF (Kasei, 2009).

Agriculture constitutes the most important economic factor before the tertiary sector and mining. The mineral and natural resources industries (Gold mining, wood processing) are concentrated in the South of Ghana, largely outside of the basin (Kasei, 2009).

8. Interviews The interviews of VBA were carried out at its HQ in Ouagadougou, BAF.

The NFP of the remaining member countries did not participate in the interviews.

A list of the interviewed personnel can be found in Appendix 2.

The transcripts of the interviews can be found in Appendix 3.

9. SWOT-Analysis

9.1 Strengths What are the internal strengths of the L/RBO that can enhance the integration of GW into the mandate of the L/RBO?

The staff is aware of the need to strengthen groundwater integration into VBA’s mandate.

Potential capacity to recruit staff that is relevant for the issue of groundwater management.

VBA’s role of coordinating projects and programs in the basin.

9.2 Weaknesses What are the major inherent deficiencies in the L/RBO in addressing appropriately groundwater in its mandate?

Slow recruitment and administrative procedure.

Mismatch between technical objectives and political objectives.

Establishment of VBA Secretariat not yet fully accomplished.

Incomplete establishment of national focal points (NFP) responsive to VBA.

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9.3 Opportunities Which present opportunities or drivers exist to support the groundwater mandate of the L/RBOs?

Increasing awareness of the need to enhance the integration of groundwater into water management in general as exemplified by the groundwater forums in the Volta basin.

Various ongoing international initiatives in the area of groundwater resources management including establishment of the Africa GW.

9.4 Threats What are the major external threats that inhibit the L/RBO from taking upon it sustainable groundwater management?

Slow response from riparian countries to requests from VBA.

Global financial changes or uncertainties.

Inadequately trained/qualified staff.

10. Conclusions

The emphasis is clearly on surface water. The domain of groundwater is generally neglected. Though groundwater is mentioned in the VBA’s convention, up to date groundwater is not considered in the water resources management within the VBA. There is a hydrogeologist working full time for the VBA at their HQ in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This hydrogeologist is not explicitly employed to care about hydrogeology, he is in a high leading position and mainly occupied by organizational tasks.

Concerning the infrastructure the secretariat and especially the NFP in the member countries seem to be in a weak position concerning trained staff and equipment. On the level of the NFP there is uncertainty about who is responsible for groundwater issues.

Staff complains about irregular transfers of financial contributions to the VBA by the member states, which has a direct impact on the staff’s salary.

11. Recommendations There is no regular and adequate monitoring of groundwater levels or water quality from the side of the member countries apart from areas around the respective capitals (e.g. Accra, Ouagadougou)

The reasons are limited knowledge of the importance of groundwater monitoring as well as limited financial, technical and also human resources (skilled personnel) at institutional level.

The creation of a network of referential groundwater monitoring stations at least for the hot spot areas with groundwater-related problems and major aquifer systems within the Volta River Basin is strongly recommended.

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The VBA needs additional qualified staff (capacity building, equipment and formation of experts) in order to be able to elaborate groundwater – related recommendations that can be used by decision makers of the member states.

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12. References Andreini M, van de Giesen N, van Edig A, Fosu M, and Andah W (2000), Volta Basin Water Balance. ZEF – Discussion Papers on Development Policy, No. 21, ZEF, Bonn

Barry B, Obuobie E, Andreini M, Andah W, and Pluquet M (2005), The Volta river basin. Comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture. Comparative study of river basin development and management.

Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR)

CGMW / UNESCO (1987), “International Geological Map of Africa, 1 / 5 000 000”

CPWF, Challenge Program on Water and Food

DEROUANE J, DAKOURE D (2006), Etude hydrogéologique et modélisation mathématique du système aquifère du bassin sédimentaire de Taoudeni au Burkina Faso, International symposium - Aquifers Systems Management, Dijon, France

Glowa-Volta-Project: http://www.glowa-volta.de

Kasei R.A. (2009) Modelling impacts of climate change on water resources in the Volta Basin, West Africa, Dissertation, Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Landmann T, Herty C, Dech S, Schmidt M, 2007, Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2007. IGARSS 2007, IEEE International, Univ. of Würzburg

Mamdouh S, (2002) Hydrology and water resources of Africa, Springer, 659 Pages

Martin N, (2005) Development of a water balance for the Atankwidi catchment, West Africa - A case study of groundwater recharge in a semi-arid climate. Doctoral thesis. University of Göttingen

Ministère des Infrastructures, de l’Habitat et de l’Urbanisme, Burkina Faso, Volume 2, Projet urbain "AMELIORATION DES CONDITIONS DE VIES URBAINES", 2001

Obuobie E, (2008) Estimation of groundwater recharge in the context of future climate change in the White Volta River Basin, West Africa, Ecology and Development Series No. 62

Opoku-Ankomah Y .(2000) Impacts of Potential Climate Change on River Discharge in Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment on Water Resources of Ghana. Water Research Institute CSIR), Accra, Ghana

Volta Basin Authority

WRI (2003) Watersheds of Africa: Water Resources eAtlas Land Cover and Use Variables: A19 Volta. World Resources Institute

Wright, J. B., et al, (1985), “Geology and Mineral Resources of West Africa”, London

World Bank

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO _Table 2. Key data on basins and basin organisations

River Basin Volta Basin

Major tributaries Black Volta, White Volta (Nakambé), Red Volta (Nazinon), Oti (Penjari), Lower Volta

Riparian states

1. __Mali______2. Burkina Faso______3. Benin______

4. __Togo______5. __Ghana______6. Côte d’Ivoire______

Upstream riparian Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire states

Downstream Ghana riparian states

Total basin area 400.000 km² (km 2)

Mean annual runoff (mill. M3/year)

Total population 19

(mill.)

Riparian state Share (%) Share (%) Mean annual Average Primary Primary water Major cities in Protected Major water Transb of basin of runoff (million rainfall land uses in basin areas, transfer oundar Page 22

Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO _Table 2. Key data on basins and basin organisations

area population M3/year) in uses/co part basin part national schemes y riparian ver in parks in between conflict basin basin (Mill. pop.) basin part states s over part part rivers (mm/yr)

1. Mali 3.12 3.35 46 % of water 500 entering into Lake Volta (White and 2. Burkina Faso 42.95 47.6 700 Agriculture Ouagadougou Black Volta (mostly (1,2), including subsistence Ouahigouya Sourou and farming, (0,12), Bobo- Nazinon) irrigation Dioulasso schemes are (0,55), developing), Koudougou (1,3)

3. Benin 3.41 2.56 35 – 40% of 1000 water entering Lake Volta (Oti including 4. Togo 6.41 8.55 1100 Penjari)

5. Côte d’Ivoire 2.48 2.13 Included in the 1200 Parc Black Volta National part de la Comoé

6. Ghana 41.63 35.8 17% of water 1200 Agriculture entering into (mostly Lake Volta subsistence from farming, tributaries into irrigation

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO _Table 2. Key data on basins and basin organisations

the lake schemes are developing), Hydropower Generation (Akosombo Dam)

10.

Year of formal 19.01. 2007, The Convention on the Creation of the Volta Basin Authority is signed recognition of Lake/Basin Org. 14.09. 2009, The Convention of VBA came into force

Primary mandate 1. Promote permanent consultation tools among the parties for the development of the basin; of Lake/Basin Org. 2. Promote the implementation of integrated water resources management and the equitable distribution of the benefits resulting from their various utilizations;

3. Authorize the development of infrastructure and projects planned by the stakeholders and

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO _Table 2. Key data on basins and basin organisations

which could have substantial impact on the water resources of the basin;

4. Develop joint projects and works;

5. Contribute to poverty alleviation, the sustainable development of the Parties in the Volta basin, and for better socioeconomic integration in the sub-region.

Type of Lake/River Org.? (see /2/) . Technical Committee (from July 2004)

. Lake /River Basin Authority (from July 2006)

Name of treaties or legally recognized agreements governing water mgt. in the basin

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO_Table 3. Key data on transboundary aquifers

River Volta Basin Basin

Major shared aquifers in 1. _Volta______2. _____Tano______the basin

3. _Keta______4. _____Taoudeni______

5. _Liptako Gourma______

Aquifer Shared Appr Geological Depth Estima Estimate Primary Principal Primary Are there Level of no. between oxim formation of location of ted d annual recharge use/users of GW already TBA mgt. which ate aquifer aquifer: storag recharge mechanis aquifer (Give managem known riparian area e (mill. volume m (rainfall, order: ent transboun Note: states (km 2 (e.g. Shallow M3) (mill. M 3) irrigation, agriculture, issue(s) dary A, B, C, D, ) sandstone, (0-20 m), river/lake, domestic, conflicts E, F a acc. karst, pre- industry, over this Intermedia to what limestone, historic) mining) aquifer? volcanic, te (20- has been sedimentary 100m), achieved ) Deep (>100m)

1. Benin, Mid and late Burkina Faso, Precambrian

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO_Table 3. Key data on transboundary aquifers

Togo, Ghana to Ordovician (sedimentary sequence (e.g. sandstones))

2. Côte d’Ivoire, Tertiary to Ghana Quaternary sediments

3. Benin, Cretaceous Ghana, to Nigeria, Togo Quaternary sediments

4. Burkina Faso, Mid and late Mali, Precambrian Mauritania to Ordovician (sedimentary sequence (e.g. sandstones))

5. Burkina Faso, Crystalline Niger basement

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Appendix 1: Tables of basic data for the L/R/ABO_Table 3. Key data on transboundary aquifers

a A. Identification, B. Delineation, C. Diagnosis, D. Conceptual/numerical model, E. Allocation principles, F. Implementation of joint infrastructure projects

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Appendix 2: List of interviewees

Interview Place of Representation No. Title Name Position schedule interview / Organization Nationality E-Mail Telephone Executive Ouagadougou, [email protected],

1 Mr Charles Biney Director 1 Burkina Faso VBA Ghana [email protected] +226-50376067 Deputy Samuel Y. Executive Ouagadougou,

2 Mr Atikpo Director 1 Burkina Faso VBA Benin [email protected] +226-50376067

Jacob W. Director of Ouagadougou, secretariat.abv@abv-

3 Mr Tumbulto Observatory 1 Burkina Faso VBA Ghana volta.org +226-50376067 Symphorien Administrator Ouagadougou, Burkina [email protected], +226-70272747; 4 Mr Meda for Geoportal 2 Burkina Faso VBA Faso [email protected] +226-76180000

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Appendix 3 Questionnaire for the L/RBO HQ team

Questionnaire for which L/RBO: _____ VBA ______

Name: ___ Charles Biney, Samuel Y. Atikpo , Jacob W. Tumbulto

Institution (if different from L/RBO): ___-______

Function - please let us know your job title, role and main responsibilities:

Title: _ Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, Director of Observatory

______

Role and responsibilities:

Executive Director: Implement the decisions of the VBA Council of Ministers;

Report on activities to the Council of Ministers;

Build and strengthen cooperation with the member states and especially the National Focal Points, Forum of Parties, etc.

Authorize execution of the budget of the Authority;

Supervise and control the management of material, financial and human resources of the Authority.

Deputy Executive Director: Supervise activities concerning design and implementation of projects and programmes based on the Plan for Development and Management of Water Resources of the basin;

Initiate and lead the process of design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of each development project or programme of the VBA;

Participate in negotiations of terms of funding and implementation of projects and programmes of VBA;

Supervise the assessment of impacts of development projects or programmes in the basin;

Collaborate with the Head of the Department of Planning and IWRM to design and implement the Master Water Management Plan of the basin.

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Director of Observatory: Supervise the activities of specialists under his authority in order to satisfactorily achieve the objectives of the Observatory including:

- monitoring the trend of the basin;

- collecting, processing and dissemination of information on the socio economic development of the basin;

- developing, maintaining and providing the users with performance tools for planning and monitoring the development of the basin.

Collaborate with the national focal points, to strengthen networks for the collection and dissemination of data on the basin.

Participate in negotiations of funding and terms of implementation of the activities of the Observatory.

______

How many years in present position: _ Executive Director – 5 years; Deputy Executive Director – 5 years; Director of Observatory – 2.5 years ______

Background education: PhD in Chemistry, Diploma in Hydrogeology, PhD in Hydrology ______,

Executive Director

B.Sc. (Gen.) Biochemistry, Nutrition, Zoology -June 1972, University of Ghana, Legon

Certificate Research Management - August 1988, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration

June 1999: Ph.D., Chemistry (Environmental), University of Ghana, Legon

Sept. 1985: Certificate, Environ. Control in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry, University Ghent, Belgium

February 1983: Certificate, Applied Limnology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare

June 1979: Post-Graduate Diploma, Marine Pollution Chemistry, University of Liverpool, UK

May 1977: M.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Ghana, Legon

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June 1973: B.Sc. (Hon.) Biochemistry, University of Ghana, Legon

Deputy Executive Director

1978: D.E.S.G. (Diploma of Higher Studies in Geosciences); option Hydrogeology, University d’ Orleans- France

1977: Bachelor Degree of Natural Science (Chemistry, Biology, Geology); University of Benin

1976: DUES II, University of Benin

1988: Certificate, Water Resources Development at Geological Survey of Japan

1982-1983: Certificate, Data processing applied to hydrogeology at the Kokusai Kogyo Tokyo, Japan

Director of Observatory

2005: Ph.D Thesis in Hydrology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

1992: Post-Graduate Diploma, Water Management, Dresden University of Technology, Germany,

1990: Post-Graduate Diploma, Fluid Flow Technology, Fluid Control Research Institute, Palghat, India,

1988: M.Sc. Civil Engineering, (Water Resources) University of Saskatchewan

(Saskatoon, Canada, 1988);

1982: B.Sc. (Hons) Civil Engineering, University of Science and Technology, UST, Kumasi, Ghana

Country: __ Burkina Faso ______

E-mail address: _: [email protected], [email protected], secretariat.abv@abv- volta.org, [email protected]

Gender: Female:______Male:___ x_____

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Telephone number for possible follow up phone call: +226 50 37 60 67______

Date of Interview: __ 19.09.2011 ______

Interview performed by: ____ Martin Jaeger (BGR) ______

Place of interview: __ Headquarter of VBA in Ouagadougou

Or if done by telephone: _____

Questions:

1. Governance:

a. What is the principal and legal role/mandate of your L/RBO wrt. groundwater :

i. To allocate GW: Yes □ No □ ii. To oversee GW mgt.: Yes x No □ iii. To monitor TBAs in basin: Yes □ No □ iv. To advise riparian states on issues related to GW: Yes □ No □ v. To implement joint GW development projects: Yes □ No □ vi. Other. Specify: ______

b. Does your L/RBO have a staffed permanent Secretariat? Yes x No □

c. Does the constitution/agreement establishing your L/RBO specifically/explicitly address GW and groundwater issues? Yes x No □

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d. If yes, how?

- The Convention on the Statutes of VBA includes groundwater as field of intervention for VBA (Article 7).

- The Strategic Plan 2010- 2014 (SP) foresees the drafting of a Water Charta which has to take into account surface and groundwater equally. The SP therefore indirectly addresses GW.

e. Which water management instruments/schemes do you use? (e.g. management plans, action programs, monitoring and information systems, etc.)

- Every action shall be based on the SP (Strategic plan 2010- 2014).

- Management instruments used within the Volta HYCOS program, Volta Information Sharing System (concern. Metadata, supported by UNEP, GEF);

- The IWRM-Action Plans for sub catchments in respective member countries of Volta basin are accessible to VBA.

f. To what extent is groundwater already considered in your water management structure and what actions/initiatives/programmes are you using to foster groundwater management within your organisation? (e.g. groundwater working group at ORASECOM)

-Within the project PAGEV, which intends to improve the coordination of water policies of Burkina Faso and Ghana, VBA addressed groundwater as well.

- VBA held the following events on groundwater issues: (1) 3d Forum on sustainable GWRM in the Volta Basin (Groundwater Indicators), August 2011,

(2) 2 nd Regional Forum on sustainable GWRM in the Volta Basin (Review of Recommendations),

(3) 1 st Forum for Sustainable Groundwater Resources Management in the Volta Basin;

- The observatory of the VBA has developed a number of activities in regard to groundwater management. These are e.g. the activities to encourage data sharing,

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starting of common pilot projects and the conducting of workshops on groundwater management (1 st to 3rd forum on GWM).

g. Do you collaborate with organisations/programmes/institutes/projects that have a groundwater component? (African networks, policy decision makers (e.g. AU, AMCOW, AGWC, etc.) and international donors)

- VBA is attending programs of AU, AWF and ECOWAS

- VBA is in contact with the Water Resources Coordination Unit of ECOWAS (WRCU).

- VBA collaborates with Global Water Partnership West Africa, IUCN,

BGR, Cap-Net/WA-Net, Waternet;

- VBA collaborates with OMVS (RO for Senegal River) and visited ORASECOM in 2011

- Donors to VBA: EU, ADB, SIDA, ECOWAS, AFD

h. Are you aware of the AMCOW work plan? Yes x No □

i. If yes: Are there any activities you have taken on board due to the AMCOW work plan?

- VBA has been invited to the respective AMCOW when said work plan was presented.

- Some areas of the SP coincide with the AMCOW work plan.

j. Do you know about the existence of the UN resolution on transboundary aquifers? Yes x No □ Comments:

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- VBA attended the UNESCO workshop on internationally shared aquifer resources management (ISARM) that has been carried out in Douala in 2011 and addressed above resolution.

– There is knowledge of the resolution within the VBA on an individual basis.

- VBA understands, that the convention shall be ratified in future like the UN Convention on Transboundary Water Courses and International Lakes of 1992;

2. Society/collaboration/inclusion:

a. What are the major uses of groundwater within the basin?

_ Groundwater resources in the Volta basin countries are used mainly for domestic water supply in both urban and rural areas. Key cities such as Ouagadougou, Cotonou and Lomé all rely on groundwater for a significant proportion of their water supplies. In many rural areas, groundwater is the only source of safe portable water supply. Groundwater is also used for industrial purposes, watering of livestock and crop irrigation but on a comparatively limited scale .

b. What are the main water challenges your basin/lake is confronted with? (e.g. groundwater pollution, (ground-) water shortage, institutional, etc.)

- Generally data on surface and groundwater is not sufficiently available. - There are a number of water related problems in the basin: water shortage during draught, flooding (the perceived change of climate affects the availability of resources), a general deterioration of the environment due to anthropogenic factors (e.g. diffuse water pollution arising from agriculture) and climate change affects water quality and quantity, the existence of water borne diseases in many areas of the basin, a loss of biodiversity, coastal erosion as well as salinization of groundwater due to seawater influx; - The availability of groundwater resources for covering water supply demand is insufficient. This is especially the case in rural areas which depend highly on groundwater resources. - Insufficient availability of information on groundwater aggravates the management of resources.

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- There are groundwater quality problems. - There is a general lack of hydrogeologic information. - The geology of the major part of the basin comprises of granitic/ crystalline rocks which bear in general a low groundwater potential in comparison to sedimentary aquifers and whose hydrogeology is less well known (discontinued aquifers). - Certain aquifers are quite vulnerable in regard of their quality and quantity. This can be induced from deteriorating quality of abducted water from wells and boreholes which are often not being well managed/ maintained hence deteriorate with time. - Many groundwater projects are driven by private stakeholders who are not linked to public services and therefore fail to supply information on groundwater. - Stakeholders are not sufficiently involved in water resources management (WRM). - There is a lack of relevant institutions for WRM throughout the basin. Existing institutions do not care enough about WRM. The political will necessary to implement IWRM is in many cases too weak, an area where donors are much more present than governments and which is for that reason much more donor driven. - The goal to reduce poverty is connected to the availability and quality of water resources; hence their protection which is currently not guaranteed for is highly necessary. - Currently water resources are not well managed and the current exploitation practices do not allow for future development of the region. There can be discerned zones of over as well as under exploitation. - The future economic challenges demand a better knowledge and utilisation of the water resources. In relation with the development of the region exploitation of water resources will have to be extended.

c. Are there great disparities between the water conditions and challenges in the riparian states?

No. ______

d. Also in the level of groundwater development and management?

- The management of groundwater occurs at different levels in the various countries

- Some countries have established systems to monitor shared aquifers

- Monitoring is mainly by the use of networks of piezometers

- In all cases, installed monitoring systems are not adequate

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- Concerning GW-Management there is no institution delivering an service equal to the one of hydrologic departments of water ministries.

- The institutions dealing with water resources in member countries are not well interconnected and there are cases of double competences in respective administrations.

e. How is the exchange of knowledge/data and cooperation between the L/RBO and the riparian states’ water mgt. structures?

- In general (theoretical) the cooperation with riparian countries is good.

- At the moment the VBA is represented by focal points in the member countries that shall become focal structures in future. E.g. for Burkina Faso the Director General for Water Resources represents the focal point. By nature of his position he is being kept very busy by his principal duties. Therefore he might not be well available to respond to needs of NBA at any moment.

f. Do you find the commitment of the riparian states to include GW on the political agenda sufficient? Yes □ No x

g. Does this influence your functionality?

- There is a general lack of people in the member countries (MC) to respond to the needs of VBA.

- The engagement of MC depends on individuals as well. E.g. whatever prioritization a politician in the competent ministry may follow, will have an impact on the collaboration between VBA and the respective MC.

- The VBA represents the member countries. However all new procedures and tasks for VBA have to be approved by MC.

h. What are you doing to strengthen the participation of the riparian states? (e.g. are formal structures, like stakeholder forums, in place with clear roles and

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responsibilities in water resources management and in the decision making process, are regular meetings taking place, etc.)?

- VBA may include in its Technical Forum (VBTF) which is one of the permanent organs of VBA as well GW.

- VBA held already 3 forums on GWM and is planning to hold the 4 th forum on GWM in cooperation with IUCN.

- VBA submitted a proposal to EU in order to create a platform between RBO. This has been done in cooperation with GWP but did not succeed to be funded.

- If the Water Charta can be developed in a participatory way this will increase the level of cooperation.

- If the Observatory of VBA further on succeeds with its memorandum of understanding (e.g. on data sharing) this will increase cooperation.

- The strengthening of the practical cooperation e.g. on technical level impact positively on the functionality of VBA structures.

- The cooperation shall be improved through the setting up of focal structures in the MCs.

i. Do you exchange knowledge, experience with other L/RBOs? Yes x No □

j. If yes, which?

- Through the participation at events of ANBO (African Network of Basin Organisations)

- NBA

- OMVS, which has installed a GW-monitoring network.

- ORASECOM

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3. Science/data/capacity building:

a. Is there a good understanding to which extent groundwater-surface water interaction determines water balance and water quality in your basin and across riparian territories? Yes □ No x

Comments:

- It is recognized by competent agencies in the member states as well on level of the VBA that there should be an interrelation between groundwater and surface water. Specific information is largely missing however there might be areas where such phenomena have been researched at local level by respective research institutions (e.g. universities). - In the past CIDA has supported the hydrogeologic service of Ghana which probably has touched as well the subject. - In the upper catchment of the Black Volta , which is made up largely of sedimentary rocks there is a direct link between surface and groundwater recognized as the Black Volta is mainly groundwater fed in the area to the West of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). - The member countries do not focus groundwater management in their implementation of water politics. The integration of the issue on the political and institutional agenda was only recently.

b. Where are you in the process of managing TBAs (also fill in Table 3 for individual TBAs)? i. Identification x ii. Delineation □ iii. Diagnosis □ iv. Conceptual/numerical model □ v. Allocation principles □ vi. Implementation of joint infrastructure projects □

c. Which data, if any, do you collect related to groundwater in the basin?

There is already some information on GW-levels.

______

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d. What data bases, information portals, and monitoring networks exist in your organization, where groundwater is (or could simply be) added?

- There is the VBA-Geoportal and Catalogue of Metadata and the GLOWA Geoportal, which was an outcome of the Glowa Volta project. There is also the Volta Basin Information Sharing System (VBISS)

______

e. What is the process/mechanism for data sharing with the riparian states’ national groundwater dept.?

Through signing of specific memorandum of understanding data and information sharing shall be facilitated. ______

f. How many hydrogeologists, or staff with hydrogeologic background, are working in your organization? Are all allocated posts filled?

- Some donors do not support the development of activities in the field of groundwater (reference to Niger HYCOS)

-There is no position and therefore practical function in the organigram which addresses specifically groundwater management.

- The staffing capacities are lacking.

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- There is one Hydrogeologist working in VBA

g. Do you find your present capacity (in terms of human and financial resources) sufficient to address groundwater management appropriately? Yes □ No x

h. How is prioritisation made in your organisation to meet the limited resources (e.g. human, financial, technical resources)?

- On a scale from 1(lowest priority) to 10 (highest p.) the GWM would meet a priority of 5 or below.

- Surface water is clearly the priority.

- The prioritisation is influenced by the member countries.

i. What capacity building on groundwater is ongoing or planned?

- It is planned to use remote sensing equipment for surface and GW-monitoring. In this regard capacity building is needed.

- Forums on GW-Management create awareness on the issue but no specific training has been developed.

- VBA builds up capacity for GW-Management through participation in the workshops of GWP.

j. What in particular is lacking regarding capacity on GW management

- So far no analysis of necessary capacities has been carried out.

- The analyses of necessary capacities shall be carried out in an objective way.

- In general capacities are lacking for the accomplishment of tasks in GW- Management.

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- There is a need for more political awareness of GW-Management as the issue is almost invisible on political and institutional level.

- There is a lack of managers and leaders with hydrogeologic background who support the integration of GW-Management into national water politics.

- Capacities shall be developed in order to allow for the necessary institution building for GW-Management (GWM).

- MC shall be supported in the development of capacities for GWM.

- The necessary capacities have first to be built up in order to allow the implementation of the agenda for GWM

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Questionnaire for which L/RBO: _____ VBA ______

Name: ___ Symphorien MEDA

Institution (if different from L/RBO): ___-______

Function - please let us know your job title, role and main responsibilities:

Title: _ Administrator for the “Géoportal” (Online Database for Geoscientific data)

______

Role and responsibilities:

Maintain the database for metadata and geoscientific online portal, communication with other ICT-experts in the member countries;

______

How many years in present position: ___ 3 years ______

Background education: Computer scientist_/ Education in GIS ______

Country: __ Burkina Faso ______

E-mail address: [email protected], [email protected]

Gender: Female:______Male:___ x_____

Telephone number for possible follow up phone call: +226 70 27 27 47, +226 76 18 00 00

Date of Interview: __ 19.09.2011 ______

Interview performed by: ____ Martin Jaeger (BGR) ______

Place of interview: __ Headquarter of VBA in Ouagadougou

Or if done by telephone: _____

Questions:

4. Governance:

a. What is the principal and legal role/mandate of your L/RBO wrt. groundwater : No answer

i. To allocate GW: Yes □ No □ ii. To oversee GW mgt.: Yes □ No □ iii. To monitor TBAs in basin: Yes □ No □ iv. To advise riparian states on issues related to GW: Yes □ No □ v. To implement joint GW development projects: Yes □ No □ vi. Other. Specify:

b. Does your L/RBO have a staffed permanent Secretariat? Yes x No □

c. Does the constitution/agreement establishing your L/RBO specifically/explicitly address GW and groundwater issues? Yes □ No □ No Answer

d. If yes, how? No Answer

e. Which water management instruments/schemes do you use? (e.g. management plans, action programs, monitoring and information systems, etc.)

- Look up question 3 d

- The groundwater domain is currently not considered in water resources management within the VBA.

h. Are you aware of the AMCOW work plan? Yes □ No x

i. If yes: Are there any activities you have taken on board due to the AMCOW work plan?

j. Do you know about the existence of the UN resolution on transboundary aquifers? Yes □ No x Comments:

- The projects at VBA mostly have a mandate going from 1 to 3 years.

- These are administrative projects which are dealing with surface waters.

- The domain of GW is generally neglected.

5. Society/collaboration/inclusion:

a. What are the major uses of groundwater within the basin? No Answer

b. What are the main water challenges your basin/lake is confronted with? (e.g. groundwater pollution, (ground-) water shortage, institutional, etc.)

- There is a general lack of organization in the water management in the basin.

- On local level it is not clear who is in charge of GW, thus oversees GWM.

- Financial resources are missing in order to guarantee sufficient staff and equipment for a comprehensive WRM.

- The quality of GW in rural areas because of its impact on public health (One is quite aware of the problem of water borne diseases).

c. Are there great disparities between the water conditions and challenges in the riparian states?

No Answer

d. Also in the level of groundwater development and management?

No Answer

e. How is the exchange of knowledge/data and cooperation between the L/RBO and the riparian states’ water mgt. structures?

- It is the general intention of member countries to cooperate.

- 4 agencies for water resources management (WRM) shall be set up for the 4 different sub catchments of the basin (Mouhoun, Nakanbé, Gourma and Lower Volta), but the structure of these regional agencies for sub catchments are not yet fixed.

- The current focal points of VBA at the respective water authorities in the member have more or less project character.

- There are no resources being attributed to the focal points (motivation is low, other priorities are more important)

- Some of the gauging stations are in remote areas and therefore not well and regularly accessible due to lack of resources (fuel, equipment). This lack of resources impacts negatively on the motivation of national staff.

f. Do you find the commitment of the riparian states to include GW on the political agenda sufficient? Yes □ No x

g. Does this influence your functionality? - The contributions of member countries are transferred irregularly (impact on salaries of VBA staff)

- The political influence plays a major role in the allocation of appropriate resources.

h. What are you doing to strengthen the participation of the riparian states? (e.g. are formal structures, like stakeholder forums, in place with clear roles and responsibilities in water resources management and in the decision making process, are regular meetings taking place, etc.)?

i. Do you exchange knowledge, experience with other L/RBOs? Yes x No □

j. If yes, which?

- The technical and financial partners support initiatives for exchange with other RBOs that are being joined by VBA.

- There is the intention to cooperate with other RBOs.

6. Science/data/capacity building:

a. Is there a good understanding to which extent groundwater-surface water interaction determines water balance and water quality in your basin and across riparian territories? Yes □ No Answer

Comments:

b. Where are you in the process of managing TBAs (also fill in Table 3 for individual TBAs)? No Answer i. Identification □ ii. Delineation □ iii. Diagnosis □ iv. Conceptual/numerical model □ v. Allocation principles □ vi. Implementation of joint infrastructure projects □

c. Which data, if any, do you collect related to groundwater in the basin?

_____ No Answer ______

d. What data bases, information portals, and monitoring networks exist in your organization, where groundwater is (or could simply be) added?

- The Geoportal was developed since 2009 and is based on the outcomes of the GLOWA project.

- The Geoportal was later adjusted to the quality norm ISO 190015

- It includes interactive digital maps.

- Internet page with access to published data from the Observatory of VBA

- Webmail

- The information system of the project Volta HYCOS allows enquiries for data of automatic river gauging stations in real time. It uses a map from google Earth as base map for the presentation of metadata. The system and software is managed by the observatory of VBA with the support of IRD.

e. What is the process/mechanism for data sharing with the riparian states’ national groundwater dept.?

- The focal points of VBA in the MC update metadata.

f. How many hydrogeolgogists, or staff with hydrogeological background, are working in your organization? Are all allocated posts filled? No Answer

g. Do you find your present capacity (in terms of human and financial resources) sufficient to address groundwater management appropriately? Yes □ No x

h. How is prioritisation made in your organisation to meet the limited resources (e.g. human, financial, technical resources)? No Answer

i. What capacity building on groundwater is ongoing or planned?

The personal to be involved in the GW-Management has to be trained very well at first.

j. What in particular is lacking regarding capacity on GW management

- Hydrogeology is a subject which is not well accessible at the university in Burkina Faso even though there is the possibility to study Geology at the quite small department of Geology. Thus there is lack in the educative system in Burkina Faso.

- The technicians in the MC have to be trained on the use of the WEB page of VBA

- All the software used shall be accessible in certain parts from the WEB page and has to be integrated therefore (the capacity of the memory of the server has to be increased.).

- GW-Management shall be integrated into the IWRM action plans at the level of decision making. The IWRM action plans are part of the management of national authorities in charge of WRM, in some cases at sub-catchment level in respective MCs.