INCREASING PRODUCTION OF RESEARCH

Hydrogeological studies of the Olézoa catchment have shown that the laterite reservoir is an important source of water for the population. Its hydrodynamic characteristics present spatial heterogeneities essentially related to the relief model, the inertial nature of the aquifer, and the physical and hydraulic properties of the terrain. The spring waters present a mineralization that seems related to the age of lithological formations and anthropic activities. In a context of constant anthropic pressure coupled with climatic hazards, it is important to understand the functioning of the aquifer and its vulne­ rability to human activities to better manage this resource to ensure its safety and durability. This study will characterize, by means of a multi-tracer approach coupled with hydrodynamic information, the hydrogeological processes of an urban watershed confronted with the problems of drinking water supply.

DR ANDRÉ FIRMIN BON, CAMEROON Contribution of geochemical tools and isotopes of strontium to characterize the hydrogeological processes of the Olézoa catchment, Yaoundé-Cameroun

DR EZÉCHIEL OBADA, BENIN Assessment of contemporary and future water availability and droughts: Case study of Niger and Ouémé basins in Benin (West Africa)

Water distribution is irregular in time and space; as such, water security is an issue in many parts of the world. Climate change poses an additional threat because changes in precipitation and other climatic variables may lead to significant changes in water supply. This research will evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on future water availability and droughts in the Niger and Ouémé basins in Benin. The focus is on spatiotemporal changes of hydrological components and on meteorological, hydrological and agricultural droughts. Observed and simulated data will be generated to characterize spatiotemporal changes of water through baseline and projected periods of at least thirty years until 2100, using drought indices. A field survey will be conducted with farmers to assess their perceptions of climate change and their adaptation and mitigation responses. The study’s findings can inform policy-makers and resource managers about beneficial courses of action to ensure sustained ­water availability.

PHOTO: PRIVATE

sustainability of water resources availa­ bility and agricultural production in the watershed. Global regional climate model data are available but they provide less reliable information and are difficult to use for adaptation decisions at regional and local scales. This study will apply robust statistical transformation methods to remove biases of regional climate model outputs under different emissions to develop reliable climate change scenarios. The anticipated outputs will be used for hydrological modelling to study water resources availability and soil erosion under different climate change scenarios. Current and potential future climate will be assessed; the water and soil resources base of the watershed under a changing climate will be estimated; and watershed management scenarios which can provide optimal benefits for climate change resilience will be developed in Beressa Watershed.

IFS grantee Andre Firmin Bon and owner of the well, measuring the parameters on the ground.

22 *** IFS ANNUAL REPORT 2018