Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), University of Leiden
Support Group for Conservation and Sustainable Development Initiatives (CACID)
In 1979, a dam was built across the Waza-Logone floodplain to create Lake Maga - a reservoir to support irrigated rice cultivation under the Society for Expansion and Modernization of Rice cultivation in Yaguoa -better known by its French acronym SEMRY. However, this not only deprived and displaced communities in towns like Zina whose livelihood depended on the Waza-Logone floodplain, it also worsened the drought conditions experienced in this region, affecting biodiversity in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Waza National Park. In 1987, pilot studies were carried out within the Waza-Logone floodplain by researchers from the University of Leiden which exposed the extent of the damage caused by the dam. From 1992 to 2000, the Waza-Logone Floodplain was then rehabilitated in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), SEMRY, regional, local and traditional authorities, the University of Leiden, the Support Group for Conservation and Sustainable Development Initiatives (CACID), and the Centre for Environment and Development in Cameroon (CEDC) among others, with funding support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS).
In Phase (1986 -1987) of the Waza-Logone floodplain rehabilitation project, the extent of damage caused by the Maga dam in the Waza-Logone floodplain was revealed through on-the-ground studies carried out by academic researchers. In Phase 2 (1992-1995), an embankment was broken to pilot the release of water from the Maga dam, opening a watercourse that had been closed since 1979. This was implemented by CACID in collaboration with local people, the Cameroonian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, IUCN, University Leiden, Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and WWF-Netherlands. Phase 2 ended with hydro-ecological and socio-economic baseline surveys that demonstrated the benefits of the rehabilitation. This led to Phase 3 (1995 to 2000) that aimed to improve quality of life for locals and enhance biodiversity in the Waza-Logone region. Several activities took place during this phase. First, a second release of water was done in 1997 by modifying and opening a channel blocked during the construction of the Maga dam. Second, institutional structures were established with representation from all levels (communities, traditional chiefs and administration), and floodplain resource and national park management plans were co-developed. Lastly, the SEMRY signed an agreement to establish a Water Management Committee for the management of the waters of Lake Maga and areas downstream. Since 2000, when the Waza-Logone project ended, CACID staff members have continued to manage the project’s activities through the creation of three local NGOs (Cellule de Formation et d’Appui aux Initiatives de Développement [CFAID], Association d’Appui aux Initiatives de Développement Rural [AIDR] and Association Camerounaise pour l’Education Environnementale [ACEEN]).
The floodplain communities benefit from improved access to clean water from 37 wells which were constructed in 33 communities throughout the project. This has contributed to reducing water-borne diseases that were previously widespread in the region. Through the project, local people have benefitted from jobs in agriculture, fish harvesting and tourism. Local communities benefit from improved yields from farming, fishing, and pastoralism thanks to the enhanced availability of water in the floodplain. Similarly, grazing intensity increased threefold following the recovery of perennial grasslands. Sale of surplus yields, livestock and fish generates valuable income that local communities have used for investments in education, health and improved housing. The project also contributed to solving long standing conflicts in the Waza-Logone floodplain between pastoralists and farmers/fishermen, and between communities and national park authorities. Local communities equally benefit from capacity building through training in health and sanitation.
The re-inundation of the Waza Logone floodplain led to the restoration of approximately 200 km2 (20%) of the floodplain in the early phases of the project. This reduced the negative effects of droughts on the population and biodiversity mortality due to drying out of wetland water holes. Re-flooding of the floodplain has led to the recovery of vegetation with a change from annual grass species to perennial species. The cover of perennial grasses, including Echinochloa pyramidalis and Oryza longistaminata, increased from 41% to 61% after 1994. In addition to improving the condition of wetlands, the increase in flooded areas also provides additional territory for fish and water birds. This has improved habitats in the 170,000 hectare Waza National Park, which is home to large numbers of mammals (at least 30 species) and birds (379 bird species) that depend on the annual inundation of the floodplain.
Funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS) of the Netherlands, combined with the buy-in of the Cameroonian government, and engagement of local floodplain communities and stakeholders were all key to the success of this initiative.
The Waza-Logone floodplain rehabilitation project won the Equator Initiative Award at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.
The Waza-Logone project ended in 2000, and CACID (the local implementing organization) have continued to manage the project’s activities, focusing on Integrated Water Resource Management.
Rehabilitation of the Waza-Logone floodplain led to an increase of fishermen and pastoralists who responded to the floodplain rehabilitation by re-settling in the area. This results in greater pressure on floodplain resources. Another obstacle lies in the resource management policy signed by stakeholders which is not well respected, resulting in unsustainable resource use.
