Tchad strengthens groundwater management at national workshop

In a concerted effort to secure the future of Chad’s water supply, a three-day national workshop on groundwater governance kicked off in N’Djamena. Bringing together over 50 key stakeholders from government institutions, technical and financial partners, civil society, and user groups, the gathering aims to draft a multi-stakeholder action plan to address critical challenges in groundwater quantity and quality.

The event, which commenced on June 16, 2026, underscores the vital role of groundwater in Chad’s water security. This hidden resource supports drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, pastoral systems, and urban development—especially in regions facing climate stress and surface water scarcity. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, participants seek to develop practical strategies that ensure equitable access, sustain livelihoods, and protect ecosystems for generations to come.

Building a shared vision for groundwater security

Speaking at the opening session, Natascha Paddison, a representative of UNICEF, emphasized the human dimension behind technical decisions about groundwater. She highlighted that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is fundamental to children’s health, education, and overall development. “Every policy and investment in groundwater management must reflect our collective responsibility to safeguard human dignity and build resilient communities,” she stated.

Paddison challenged participants to leverage the workshop as a platform for knowledge-sharing, experience exchange, and joint problem-solving. She stressed that groundwater should not be seen as a source of risk but as a foundation for health, economic growth, and social stability—provided it is managed wisely and inclusively.

The UNICEF representative also acknowledged the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for its financial and technical support in organizing the workshop, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing transboundary water challenges.

Mapping the path forward: governance, risks, and action

Fatimé Hassan, Director General of Water Resources in Chad, outlined the workshop’s core objectives: to develop a coordinated action plan for sustainable groundwater governance. She explained that the sessions will help establish a unified understanding of the country’s groundwater landscape, identify key governance bottlenecks, and define priority interventions.

The outcomes will be captured in a comprehensive report summarizing key discussions, alongside a technical policy brief integrating findings from the 2026 national groundwater risk assessment. This document will serve as a roadmap for decision-makers, guiding future investments and policy reforms.

The workshop brings together a diverse delegation, including representatives from national water authorities, sectoral ministries, regional organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector firms, user associations, and academic experts. Through structured dialogues and collaborative exercises, participants are expected to produce actionable recommendations that promote efficient, inclusive, and sustainable groundwater management across Chad.