Abstract. Lake Chad is a transboundary freshwater body located in the
extreme south of the Sahara Desert. Many centuries ago, the synergies
between nature and human activities in the basin were in harmony; and
nowadays, the manifestation of unsustainable human activities and drier
climate in the basin is now evident. This study assesses the water
insecurity and associated environmental issues in the area using the
combined Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) and
System-Approach-Framework (SAF) frameworks. In achieving this, we conducted
literature review to establish the major effects and possible consequences
of water scarcity in the area. The SAF defines the Lake boundaries and
eventually links the active stakeholders involved. On the other hand, the
DPSIR reveals that about 90 % of inhabitants depends on agriculture, with
warming (temperature) significantly increasing in the basin (0.22 ∘C per decade) – socio-economic and natural Drivers respectively – as well as
increase in population. Pressures include input from irrigation systems,
river–flow modification, limited rainfall, and prolonged drought periods.
These pressures have led to change in the state of Lake Chad, like
freshwater shortages and loss of ecological status. Impacts on human
welfares includes mass displacement, unemployment, paralyzed socio-economic
activities, and social unrest. The societal-Response has prompted various
measures like the launch of campaigns and awareness, planned
Inter-Basin-Water-Transfer (IBTW), and several policy changes for better
governance. Conclusively, the restoration of Lake Chad solely depends on
climate conditions and management policies. However, this study recommends
the prioritization of monitoring systems, water-allocation plans, ecological
plans, and modelling tools for better decision processes.
Development of water insecurity scale for rural households in Cameroon- Central Africa
