Contrary to misconceptions, Lake Chad is not shrinking; current research shows its water volume has increased since the 1980s. Climate change is causing intensified rainfall and flood risks, compounded by regional conflicts. The Lutheran World Federation is working to help local communities adapt through sustainable practices and resource management in the Lake Chad Basin, which supports millions of people.
Recent research indicates that Lake Chad is not shrinking but instead has experienced an increase in water volume since its lowest point in the 1980s. While intensified rainfall in the region has led to potential flooding risks, ongoing conflicts complicate adaptation strategies for local communities dealing with climate change. A project by the Lutheran World Federation aims to assist these communities in sustainable agricultural practices, land restoration, and conflict resolution.
The Lake Chad Basin, covering 2.5 million square kilometers, straddles eight countries and is home to approximately 52 million people who depend on its resources. The volume of water in Lake Chad is linked to rainfall patterns in its closed drainage system, with significant seasonal variations in size due to changes in precipitation. Though the lake dramatically shrank during the 1970s and 1980s, recent studies show it has stabilized and even expanded its surface area, with recent measurements indicating a total water area of approximately 24,500 km2 in 2024.
The northern pool of the lake, however, has not rebounded to the same extent as the southern pool, potentially due to changes in river inflow and increased vegetation, which affects water flow and evapotranspiration rates. Communities around Lake Chad have traditionally adeptly adapted to the lake’s changing conditions, but recent climate change leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns, causing difficulties in determining agricultural practices. Notably, intense rainfall events in recent years have led to devastating floods, impacting millions of livelihoods.
Studies have shown connections between climate change and increased precipitation, leading to flash floods that displace populations and affect agricultural land. The IPCC projects an increase in extreme precipitation by 10 to 30% by 2050, heightening the risk of river overflow, particularly in heavily populated regions. Strengthening cooperation among the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s member countries is crucial to manage these transboundary environmental impacts and develop infrastructure for adaptation.
Community resilience strategies have included diversifying agriculture to include flood-tolerant crops and monitoring water levels. However, climate-induced unpredictabilities have complicated these methods, and conflicts stemming from groups like Boko Haram exacerbate challenges to food security and adaptation. The Lutheran World Federation’s project focuses on promoting sustainable practices, such as tree planting and irrigation improvements, to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and conflict.
While the lake could offer significant benefits to regional stability and livelihoods through responsible management, persistent conflict and extreme climate volatility hinder progress. Moving forward, establishing a comprehensive strategy to address climate-fragility risks is essential for sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin as the region adapts to an ever-changing environment.
In summary, Lake Chad has seen a resurgence in water volume contrary to popular belief, although climate change is amplifying rainfall variability and flood risks. Community adaptation strategies are being hampered by conflicts and unpredictable weather patterns. Initiatives like those from the Lutheran World Federation are vital in fostering sustainable practices amid these challenges. Addressing climate-fragility risks with collaborative approaches is essential for enhancing stability and resilience in the Lake Chad Basin.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
