Iullemeden Aquifer System Report
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Integrated and Sustainable Management of Shared Aquifer Systems and Basins of the Sahel Region RAF/7/011 IULLEMEDEN AQUIFER SYSTEM 2017 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION EDITORIAL NOTE This is not an official publication of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The content has not undergone an official review by the IAEA. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the IAEA or its Member States. The use of particular designations of countries or territories does not imply any judgement by the IAEA as to the legal status of such countries or territories, or their authorities and institutions, or of the delimitation of their boundaries. The mention of names of specific companies or products (whether or not indicated as registered) does not imply any intention to infringe proprietary rights, nor should it be construed as an endorsement or recommendation on the part of the IAEA. INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION REPORT OF THE IAEA-SUPPORTED REGIONAL TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROJECT RAF/7/011 IULLEMEDEN AQUIFER SYSTEM COUNTERPARTS: Mr Adnane Souffi MOULLA (Algeria) Mr Abdelwaheb SMATI (Algeria) Mr Philippe Armand ADJOMAYI (Benin) Mr. Moussa BOUKARI (Benin) Mr Aly THIAM (Mali) Mr Sidi KONE (Mali) Mr Sanoussi RABE (Niger) Mr Ismaghil BOBADJI (Niger) Mr Christopher Madubuko MADUABUCHI (Nigeria) Mr Adegboyega Albert ADEDEJI (Nigeria) EXPERT: Mr Kamel ZOUARI (Tunisia) Reproduced by the IAEA Vienna, Austria, 2017 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. STUDY SITES 3 2.1. Location, overall topography 3 2.2. Climatology 5 2.3. Land use and vegetation types 6 2.4. Exploitation and water supply 7 2.5. Geology and Hydrogeology of the Iullemeden Aquifer System 8 2.6. The Iullemeden Aquifer System: Water balance 19 3. DATA ACQUISITION AND METHODOLOGY USED 20 4. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION 22 4.1. Geochemical data of the Niger basin (Dosso) 22 4.1.1. Hydrochemical study of the Niger basin (Dosso) 22 4.1.2. Isotope data of the Niger basin (Dosso) 35 4.2. Geochemical data of the Nigeria basin 42 4.2.1. Hydrochemical study of the Nigeria basin 42 4.2.2. Isotope data of the Nigeria basin 54 4.3. Geochemical data of the Kandi basin (Benin) 59 4.3.1. Hydrochemical study in the Kandi basin (Benin) 59 4.3.2. Isotope study of the Kandi basin (Benin) 73 4.4. Geochemical data of the Iullemeden Aquifer System 79 4.4.1. Hydrochemical study in the Iullemeden Aquifer System 79 4.4.2. Isotope study in the Iullemeden Aquifer System 85 4.4.3. Statistical study in the Iullemeden Aquifer System 89 5. CONCLUSIONS 92 6. REFERENCES 95 ACRONYMS 97 ANNEXES 98 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION 1. INTRODUCTION The Iullemeden Aquifer System (IAS) shared between Algeria, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Benin constitutes the main perennial resource of drinking water and a strategic resource for sustainable development of the concerned countries estimated to be 2000 km3 (Fig. 1). The IAS faces multiple constraints in particular difficulties of access to water resources related to the excessive depth (over 600 m) in some regions. Moreover, the lack of sub-regional strategic water resources management has led to changes in aquifer hydro-dynamics and water quality degradation. These effects are caused by: . Land use change, evaporation and outflow losses in the humid zones and recharge areas are important factors of the annual water balance. The increase in demand or overexploitation linked to population growth and economic development is hampered by the decline in the resources availability. The overexploitation level was crossed in 1995 according to primary estimates to 152 million m3 per year. The aquifer is highly vulnerable to climate change impact from reduction of modern aquifer recharge. The current knowledge level of the IAS including recharge and outflow areas, available resources and flow patterns is highly uncertain and comprised of uncoordinated and often contradicting country data. The uncertainty is further enhanced by international pressures, differences in country perceptions and potential conflicts over the shared aquifer resources. With high risk and scientific and policy uncertainties in a transboundary context, the approaches to joint management of the IAS need to be focused on reduced vulnerabilities and transparent responsibilities for identification, mitigation and accommodation and risk sharing. Previous studies on isotopes and hydrochemistry in the target area Several regional projects have been supported by the IAEA and their focus has been on water resources shared by two or more countries. Over the last ten years, at the request of the concerned Member States (Mali, Niger and Nigeria), IAEA support has concentrated on the Iullemeden Aquifer. The RAF/8/038 project entitled “ Mise en valeur des systèmes aquifères des Iullemeden” as the continuation of the MSP/GEF regional project “Gestion des Risques 1 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION Hydrogéologiques dans le Système Aquifère d’Iullemeden” has been conducted by the IAEA (2007-2010) in order to improve the groundwater resources management in concerned countries of the IAS. Hydrochemical and isotopic techniques have been applied, in particular 2H, 18O, 3H, 13C, 14C and the major chemical elements. These tools were used in the objective to identify the geochemical and isotopic signal of each aquifer, study the flow dynamics and identify the aquifer recharge periods (IAEA, 2010). One major outcome of this project has been to improve the understanding of the functioning of the Iullemeden basin aquifer system in Mali, Niger and Nigeria and to provide key parameters for the establishment of a groundwater flow model to help in the management of the water resources of the Iullemeden basin. The results from this project have led to the elaboration of awareness strategy elements in the management of transboundary risks. It has also reflected a well analyzed experience in the concerned countries, and assessed the scope for collaboration with current and future programs of participation and awareness in the field of natural resources or agriculture in each country. From another hand, OSS (Observatory Sahara and Sahel) is carrying on the activities with support from the African development Bank in order to put in place tools for an integrated water resources management of the Iullemeden and Niger River, and is seeking collaboration and contribution of the Agency. The main results were the development of the numerical and hydrogeological model of the IAS (OSS, 2008). Objectives of the project RAF/7/011 in the target aquifer The IAEA-supported project RAF/7/011 is an integrated approach to the efficient management of scarce water resources in West Africa. The long-term objective of the project is to promote the integrated management and sustainable development of the shared groundwater resources in the Sahel region. The specific objectives of the project are: . Evaluation and better understanding of hydrogeological and geochemical processes controlling mineralization recharge conditions and flow pattern of Iullemeden Basin. Establishment of a common database between the countries through a data collection network for a better management of the shared water resources. Investigation of the vulnerability and climate variability /change impact on water resources of the IAS. 2 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION . Provision of scientific data for establishment of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) in order to develop legal and institutional frameworks for better management and rational use of shared water resources. 2. STUDY SITES 2.1. Location, overall topography The Iullemeden sedimentary basin, located in Mali, Niger and Nigeria, with minor areas in Algeria and Benin, covers a region of approximately 525 000 km2 with about 31 000 km2 in Mali, 434 000 km2 in Niger and 60 000 km2 in Nigeria. It extends for approximately 1000 km from 10°N to 19°N, and for about 980 km from 1°E to 10°E (Fig. 1). The current population in this area is approximately 15 million, with 65 % in Niger, 34 % in Nigeria and less than 2 % in Mali (OSS, 2008 and 2011). The topographic relief comprises: mountain plateaus, semi-arid grassland and savannah plains, local and major flood plains covered by important dune systems. The Iullemeden aquifer system is dependent on the Niger River considered as the third longest River in Africa with a length of 4200 km. In Nigeria, the basin area is mainly undulating with depressions caused by wadis and water courses. The altitude of the land surface varies between 240 and 350m above sea level with resistant crusts of laterites and iron stones which outcrop the hills of the area. The two main rivers draining the Iullemeden are Rima and Sokoto rivers which flow into Niger which subsequently discharge into the Atlantic Ocean. These rivers all take off from the Mashika and Dunia highlands. In Benin, the altitude of Iullemeden varies between 160 (and 410 meters. High altitude values are recorded in the southern basin and these values decrease gradually toward the northern basin. The Iullemeden aquifer system is multi-layered including a Cretaceous Continental Intercalary sedimentary aquifer at the bottom, overlain by three layers of Tertiary Continental Terminal formations. The IAS is located in Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Algeria and Benin, while the Paleozoic aquifers in Algeria and Benin are non-connected and do not fall within IAS. The sedimentary Iullemeden basin is defined by the surrounding major mountain ranges with 3 INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SHARED AQUIFER SYSTEMS AND BASINS OF THE SAHEL REGION the Air to the north, the Adrar to the north-west and the Jos Plateau in Nigeria towards the south.