Integrated water resources management for vulnerable groups in Burkina Faso : three case studies

This paper describes the situation of two valleys of Burkina Faso dominated by agriculture activities, with regards to sharing of natural resources (land and water) for rural set up. It further analyses the process to support the creation of water committees and to prepare scenarios for a more productive and equitable use of scarce resources, leading to poverty alleviation, and risk avoidance. Conflict prevention objectives, through negotiations between stakeholder groups on water and land use rights are also considered. Case studies: Vallée du Kou (Province du HOUET). Surface basin: 1.823 sq. km; Major city: Bobo-Dioulasso (450.000 inhabitants.) In the basin of the "Vallée du Kou," a variety of water uses range from urban drinking water to industrial water use and irrigation. Both groundwater and river water resources are heavily exploited. Extraction is poorly regulated as is pollution control. Conflicts are rising between several agricultural water user groups, tapping into the River Kou and main irrigation channels, without consideration for downstream users. Vallée des lacs de Tamasogo, Dem et Sian (Province de SANMATENGA). Surface basin: approx. 3.000 sq. km; Major city: Kaya - 45.000 inhabitants. This site is located in the sahelian part of the country, rural income and food security very much depends on the good management of soil and water resources. Important water and soil conservation measures at field level have yielded a clear success in improving and stabilizing yields in rainfed agriculture. It has also been shown that widespread anti-erosion measures help to regenerate forest cover and raise groundwater tables. Growing demand for drinking water from a nearby city (Kaya) will further increase pressure on these surface water resources, especially in the dry season. The results are discussed considering capacity building improvement on: - Operational water management institutions at the sub-basin level. - Negotiation between stakeholder groups on water and land use rights, including for vulnerable groups. - Soil and fertility management integrated in the water management plans. (Résumé d'auteur)