Africa Community

On this AfricaDay, it is inspiring to see progress in strengthening water governance in one of Africa’s most fragile and vital regions.

A new Simplified Practical Guide has been introduced to help local communities around Lake Chad better understand and apply the principles of the Lake Chad Basin Water Charter. Developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and IUCN, with support from the Swiss Development Cooperation through the BRIDGE initiative, this guide aims to close the gap between complex policy frameworks and on-the-ground realities.

Lake Chad, which spans five countries and supports tens of millions of people, is under increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, and competing resource demands. Strengthening cooperation and clarity in managing this shared water resource is more urgent than ever.

The guide is designed for local officials, farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk, those whose daily lives are closely tied to the lake. By simplifying key principles of the Water Charter, it helps to promote inclusive decision-making, equitable access, and shared responsibility.

For those of us engaged in drought resilience, transboundary water governance, or sustainable land management this is a timely and practical resource worth exploring.

Access the guide here:

English: https://waterandnature.org/download/a-practical-guide-for-the-lake-chad…

French: https://waterandnature.org/download/a-practical-guide-for-the-lake-chad…

Happy Africa Day, 2025!

Hello, I hope you are well.
It is a pleasure for me to share with you the half-moon technique, a traditional method of water and soil conservation widely used in Burkina Faso, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. It involves digging semicircular basins, generally 2 to 4 meters in diameter, with the open edge facing upslope. This technique captures and retains runoff water during the rainy season, promoting its infiltration into the soil and vegetation regeneration. It is particularly effective for restoring degraded land, combating erosion, and improving soil fertility. Used in agroforestry and agricultural fields, the half-moon plays a crucial role in helping rural communities adapt to climate change and promote sustainable agriculture in Burkina Faso.
Half-moon technique file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_HGnrr8XtpmTZUewVbJFJHQMOO6v7kRE/view?…

Half-Moon technique video:

Hello everyone!
What a pleasure to be part of this inspiring community!
I'm Dieudonne Ilboudo, a water and environment specialist currently working at the General Office of Agropastoral Development and Irrigation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animals and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso.
My work focuses on sustainable water resource management, soil conservation, land reclamation, and environmental preservation. I have over four years of experience in community projects promoting climate change adaptation, integrated water resource management, and the development of rice-growing lowlands.
I recently led initiatives on the management of invasive aquatic plants, transforming them into valuable resources such as compost and biochar to support local agriculture and the circular economy. I am passionate about drought resilience (Zai and Half-Moon Techniques) and ethical, inclusive, and innovative approaches to natural resource governance, and I strive to integrate local knowledge and community participation into all aspects of my work.
I look forward to learning, collaborating, and contributing to this dynamic network !

Hello!

It's a pleasure to be joining this community! I'm Liz Mwangi, an environmental social scientist with experience working at the intersection of gender, climate justice, and conservation across Eastern and Southern Africa. My research interests emphasize participatory, community-centered approaches to ecosystem management and well-being. Most recently I completed an MPhil in Environmental Humanities, with my research focusing on drought adaptation for agropastoral communities in Northern Kenya.

I'd also love to share with you my recent policy paper publication for drought practitioners working at the intersection of gender and agropastoral communities.

📍https://droughtclp.unccd.int/blog/mainstreaming-gender-drought-manageme…

I look forward to engaging and interacting more on this channel.

Liz Mwangi.

📸 Capture the solutions that inspire change!
The UNCCD and GWP have launched a global photo competition at UNCCD COP 16 in December 2024 in Riyadh to highlight powerful solutions to drought and water scarcity.
From nature-based solutions to technological innovations, we’re looking for impactful images that showcase how communities and ecosystems build resilience to drought.
🏆 Finalists will have their work exhibited at UNCCD Headquarters in Bonn during the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, 2025.
💰 Winners in each category will receive a $500 gift card from the International Center of Photography or Fotografiska Museum.
⏳ Don’t miss the submission deadline: March 31, 2025!
📢 Winners will be announced in May 2025.
🔗 Submit your entry today and let your photos inspire action! https://droughtclp.unccd.int/photo-competition