Strengthening groundwater governance in Chad: a national workshop targets sustainable water management

A three-day national workshop on groundwater governance kicked off in N’Djamena, bringing together key stakeholders to develop a unified action plan for sustainable water resource management.

Over fifty participants from public institutions, technical and financial partners, civil society, and user groups are engaged in this initiative. The workshop aims to address critical challenges in groundwater quantity and quality, which are vital for Chad’s water security, urban development, and agricultural and pastoral systems, particularly in climate-stressed regions.

Aligning groundwater management with human development priorities

Addressing the workshop, a representative from UNICEF highlighted the importance of equitable access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for children’s health, education, and overall development. The event focuses on transforming groundwater resources from a potential risk into a sustainable asset—one that supports health, drives economic growth, and safeguards the welfare of future generations.

Participants are tasked with sharing expertise, evaluating risks, and crafting actionable solutions to strengthen groundwater governance. The workshop also serves as a platform to review the findings of the 2026 national exploratory assessment on groundwater risks, ensuring that conclusions are translated into a comprehensive technical guidance note.

Building consensus for inclusive and sustainable water policies

The workshop includes representatives from the National Water Authority, sectoral ministries, regional organizations, technical and financial partners, UN agencies, NGOs, the private sector, user groups, and academic experts. The goal is to produce actionable recommendations that promote efficient, inclusive, and sustainable groundwater management across Chad.

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort to secure Chad’s water future, ensuring that groundwater remains a reliable resource for generations to come.