Annex A
Incremental Cost Summary
Project For Reversing Land And Water Degradation Trends In The Niger River Basin
Introduction
1. Recognizing the common concerns of the riparian countries to address the Basin issues beyond the
boundaries of specific national interests would include additional cost to address these transboundary
issues, the incremental cost. This cost is the measure of the economic burden that would be placed on the
Niger River Basin countries for undertaking the sustainable development of the Basin, beyond the
current baseline and capacity of their national interest. The current policies and development
approaches, to achieve sustainable development at the national levels, are currently not sufficient to
maintain a transboundary element, and require support beyond what is affordable and capable for
national development. These additional actions for regional sustainable development impose additional
costs on the countries to achieve both their national goals while attaining transboundary global benefits.
2. Under the broader international waters work being carried out in the Niger Basin, there is significant
emphasis on enhancing existing capacity at the national and regional level. The Niger Basin countries
are developing a Sustainable Development Action Plan for the Niger Basin (SDAP) for the Niger River
Basin with the support of the World Bank. Whereas the GEF Project's Strategic Action Programme
(SAP) will focus on managing the Basin's environment, the SDAP will deal with the broader issues of
multi-sector sustainable development in the Basin. The SAP and the SDAP can be managed as
complementary processes, for which the SAP is a natural precursor, the GEF TDA/SAP is identifying,
characterizing and prioritizing water-related, environmental issues and sectors across the Niger River
Basin member states, as well developing a framework for environmental management for all
development in the Basin. The SDAP will envelope all possible sector, both those with environmental
externalities, as well as those not before captured by the SAP process, and will build on the
environmental management framework developed for the SAP. The GEF Project will support
strengthened regional, national and local decision-making capacity providing a better understanding of
the sector issues which contribute to land and water degradation, and a mechanisms to manage these
transboundary issues in a more inclusive participatory decision making process.
Global Environmental Objective
3. The Project's global environmental objectives are to reduce and prevent transboundary water-related
environmental degradation, prevent land degradation, and protect globally significant biodiversity,
through sustainable and cooperative integrated management of the Basin, enhance existing capacity,
informed decision-making and ensure the public's greater involvement in the Basin's decision-making
process.
4. The significance of the Basin has been highlighted by the international interest in the ecological elements
of the Basin. If the transboundary issues are not addressed, the direct and indirect threats to this
international water body will result in the progressive breakdown of the hydrological and ecological
integrity of the Niger Basin system. This will cause the global community to forfeit sizeable global
conservation benefits; this includes direct and indirect use values, and existence and option values from
the Basin.
Development Objective
5. To achieve the global environmental objectives, the Project's development objective is to develop and
implement sustainable measures for reversing trends in land and water degradation through a
collaborative decision-making process in the Niger River Basin.
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6. The development objective supports the nine riparian countries (Benin, Burkina-Faso, Cameroon, Cote
d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Chad) of the Niger River Basin in their efforts to work
together to assure the sustainable development and management of the Basin's land and water resources,
including protection of its unique drylands environment and associated biodiversity. These
requirements, are transboundary in nature, clearly transcending national capacities and priorities,
requiring financial and technical resources significantly beyond those that can be mobilized by each
riparian state singly or in combination.
7. The long-term goal of the GEF project is to achieve global benefits, as identified above, through broad,
basin-wide participation in the development and implementation of measures that ensure that the
integrity of the Niger River system is protected by integrated management of the Basin's resources. This
requires orchestration of both national and regional activities through efficient Basin governance.
Measures are targeted to mitigate the causes and effects of desertification in the region and building of
capacity at regional, national, and local levels to create enhanced adaptive capacities.
Barriers to Better Land and Water Management
8. The NBA has been involved in a number of diagnostic studies, which formed the basis for the Project's
preparation. During Project preparation a number. It has become evident that the Basin's though there
are a number issues which impact the Basin. These issues are part of a greater concern of the multi-
secotral contribution to the escalating and negative consequences on the land and water resources, the
main issues in the Basin include :
- Inadequate coordinated land and water management frameworks;
- Continued degradation of land, water, and renewable resources;
- Insufficient and inadequate information and data for good management practice and support
the decision making process; and
- Cumulative degradation from the hydropower sector.
Removing the Barriers
9. There are a number initiatives in the Basin, developing appropriate linkages and coordinating efforts to
benefit from lessons learned and so that scarce financial resources could be used more efficiently to
improve national and Basin-wide water resource management. In a shared river basin, these interests
may conflict with each other, especially as national interests are often based upon immediate needs rather
than their long-term impact. Given the environmental degradation in the Basin, results in cumulative
impacts from the issues discussed above, it is becoming increasingly apparent that to tackle the causes
will require a coordinated multi-country effort across the Basin, with action taking place at the
appropriate level (i.e. subsidiarity). At present, several major barriers to address the issues need to be
removed if the participating countries if the NBA is to make progress in its attempts to secure a
sustainable future for the Niger River Basin ecosystem. Efforts to remove the barriers would include:
- Introducing effective land and water management, mitigate desertification and sedimentation
problems,
- Establishing reliable water resources monitoring and data exchange,
- Coordinating the management of the Basin's infrastructure, and
- Promoting environmental action on biodiversity protection and conservation with good
management practices.
10. In the longer-term, through this Project and integration with the SDAP, the removal of the barriers for
sustainable use of Basin's resources will widen the menu of development options available at the
regional, national and local level. However, in the short-term, the generation of the programme to
address transboundary issues will result in mainly non-pecuniary benefits. For the riparian countries,
tangible costs exceed tangible benefits in the intermediate-term, providing little incentive to undertake
this initiative without external assistance.
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Baseline Scenario
11. The Niger River resources have an intrinsic value to the riparian countries future development potential,
and therefore almost all the investments in the national development arena have direct implications on
the Basin's land and water resources. Currently, there's an extensive list of projects and programs taking
place and proposed in the nine Basin countries with each contributing to improved national concerns. As
part of the Project preparation, current and proposed World Bank, UNDP and donor projects in the Basin
were inventoried, and relevant agriculture, forestry, environment or water sector World Bank projects
were evaluated, and corresponding project related component activities were reviewed1 and assessed.
Similar effort was conducted for the current and future UNDP country programme projects2, as well as
donor projects. With the knowledge that each relevant project in the Basin contributes to the
fundamental baseline of Basin development, it was necessary, to make note of the extended baseline
activities in the Basin. However, for the sake of clarity, to define the true value of the incremental
benefit from this Project, the baseline was defined by a specific parameter to include just those baseline
activities, which contribute directly to the Project.
12. Therefore, for the baseline assessment considered the relevant donor supported co-financing efforts
proposed in the Basin, which directly contribute and complement the Project component activities.
These funds together with the in-kind national contributions defined the baseline amounts US$ 16.722
million. The current national government in-kind contributions of U$m2.14 contribute to Component 1
activities to assist in national level efforts in the Basin and to Component 2 capacity strengthening
efforts. The other co-financing figure (US$ m 14.582) is indicative of the anticipated participation of on-
going projects related to activities in the GEF. Specifically this includes: financing from: AfDB (US$m
10.0) contributes to Component 5, targeting sedimentation problems and river degradation; the
Government of the Netherlands (US$ 3.35) supports the development of the SDAP; the Government of
Norway (US$ 0.160) funds sector reports in the Basin for Component 6; the Dutch Trust Fund (US$
0.587) provides technical assistance contributing to Component 3; the UNDP-TRIB (US$ 0.075)
supports technical capacity in Component 3; the WWF (0.11) local actions are in parallel with the good
practices interventions in Component 5; and the WB:IW (0.30) has concurrent technical assistance in
preparing sector report compatible to Component 6 efforts.
GEF Alternative
13. GEF Alternative. The GEF Alternative regional programme, together with the SDAP, and other
initiatives in the Basin, will support actions that are compatible with the economic and social interests of
each country, while generating benefits the Basin for the overall environment. It would create new
opportunities for regional development by enabling all players within the Basin to be responsibility in
identifying the priorities in the Basin and engage in the decision making process
14. A GEF Project, while it intends to improve the means to improve the management and protecting the
Basin resources, will also be a vital instrument, through the development of the SAP, for mobilizing,
catalyzing and generating sustainable national development projects to consider the environment as an
1 Benin: PCD Management Of Forests and Adjacent Lands; PCD National CDD Project; PAD Forests and Adjacent Lands
Management; Burkina Faso: PAD Partnership for Natural Ecosystem Mgt.; PAD Community-Based Rural Development; PCD Sahel
Integrated Lowland Ecosystem Mgt.; PCD Urban Environment Supplemental; PAD Ouagadougou Water Supply Project; Cameroon:
PCD Forestry/Environ; Chad: PAD Agric. Services and Producer Org. Project; PAD Local Development Project; Chad Urban
Development Project; Côte d'Ivoire: PAD National Protected Area Management Program; PCD Cap/Basic Infr/Urban&Env); Guinea:
Village Comm. Sup. II; Third Water Supply (Supplemental); Mali: PCD Community-based Rural Development Project Rural; PAD Arid
Land Biodiversity; PAD Rural Infrastructure (WRM); Niger: PAD Private Irrigation Promotion; PAD Community Action Program; Water
Sector Project; Nigeria: PCD Nigeria Fadama II; PAD Local Empowerment and Environmental Management; PAD Small Towns Water;
PCD Lagos Water Sector Restructuring Project; PAD Urban Water Sector Reform Project.
2 The regional international waters project, Integrated Management of the Lake Chad Basin, outside the Basin has commenced; as part
capacity building projects in Nigeria and Benin were included in the incremental analysis, and other projects complementary in their
geographic proximity and/or objectives, prevent them as part of the of the Project baseline. The three regional/national complementary
projects include: (i) Industrial water pollution control in the Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem, within Cote d'Ivoire, Benin,
Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria; (ii) Integrated Management of the Lake Chad Basin, Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Cameroon; and (iii)
Control of exotic aquatic weeds in rivers and coastal lagoons to enhance /restore biodiversity in Cote d'Ivoire.
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essential element of these future development, and subsequent integration with the SDAP which will
envelope all sectors for sustainable economic development. Reciprocally, these national development
programs, concerned with water and environment, and coordinated within a comprehensive strategic
approach Basin-wide (i.e. within the context of the SAP) will be decisive in upgrading the capabilities
that need to be mobilized collectively, throughout the region, to improve the Niger River Basin
ecosystem. In conclusion, the absence of a regional program, given the size and scope of the work that
has to be organized and carried out, no other project or initiative in the short or medium terms is capable
of providing the complete assistance to member countries to address the environmental problems of the
Niger River Basin.
15. To avoid the overall environmental risks identified above, in-kind support being provided by the member
states to support regular NBA operations needs to be further extended and complemented. The existing
support is just not sufficient to cope with the magnitude of the problems at hand. This gap will be
financed under the present project. In this regard, certain other priority regional programmes would
benefit from being co-financed with other donors in order to generate more wide-ranging actions and
thus have a more rapid impact on the human and physical environments. At the national level, the
components financed by the GEF could help to support existing or future programmes, integrated into
national sustainable development programmes and into the strategic action plan for the entire Basin.
16. The GEF Alternative Increment. Total project costs are estimated to be US$ 29.722 million, this include
a total GEF contribution of US$ 13.00 million as the project increment.
Table 1: Summary of Project Baseline, GEF Alternative and Project Increment
FINANCING
Baseline Scenario
GEF Alternative
Project Increment
(US$ million)
(US$ million)
GEF Contribution
13.00
13.00
Co-financing:
14.582
14.582
Current Estimated National In -
02.140
2.140
kind
16.722
29.722
13.00
Project Financing and Incremental Cost Matrix
17. Total project costs are estimated to be US$ 29.722 million, with a total GEF contribution of US$13.00
million. The remaining amount of US$ 16.722 million will come from various co-financing sources
such as: national government in-kind contributions, and active donors in the Basin (US$ 2.14 m from
current in-kind, US$ 14. 582 m from donors), summarized in Table 2.
18. The incremental cost matrix (Table 3) shows the costs to achieve the stated domestic and global benefits
to achieve the global environmental objectives, and the benefits associated with the GEF Alternative and
increment and differentiated from the baseline for the Component activities.
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Table 2: Summary of Project Financing (US$ million)
Project Components
Co-financing
GEF
TOTAL
US$ millions
Component 1: Project Management
1.07
1.5
2.57
Component 2: Capacity Building
4.420
1.5
5.920
Component 3: Data Management
0.662
2.0
2.660
Component 4: Regional Forum
0.00
0.5
.500
Component 5: Demonstrating Change in the Basin 10.11
5.0
15.11
Microgrant supported interventions
Component 6: TDA and SAP Preparation
0.460
2.5
2.960
TOTALS
16.722
13.00
29.722
Domestic and Global Benefits from Project Increment
19. Overall domestic Benefits From Incremental Costs:
?? Countries are able to strengthen water and environment management without losing
development funds for other critical short-term priorities and without losing competitive
position.
?? Interventions are more targeted at removing the root causes of threats, thus improving the
efficacy and cost-effectiveness of management endeavors.
?? National capacities to implement a holistic resources management method at all levels are
strengthened.
?? Civil society more responsive to environmental protection measures.
?? Ecological sustainability of activities in the Basin will be better assured, for each country.
20. The global environmental objectives will be achieved, through broad Basin-wide participation and
implementation of cooperative decision-making and best practices, sustainable management of the
Basin's land and water resources. The long-term global environmental benefits that would accrue from
the successful completion of the Project activities and future implementation of the SAP. Benefits
include:
?? Strengthened regional, national, and local institutional capacity in all nine-Basin countries
will support effective execution capacity for future regional project implementation.
?? Strengthened regional, national, and local institutional capacity for sustainable land and
water resource management in the Niger River Basin with an inclusive framework for
regional cooperation will be supported through agreements on policy /institutional and legal
adjustments at regional and national levels.
?? Harmonized and coherent Basin-wide national data collection, and effective data
disseminated will be valuable capacity for the national and regional decision-makers.
?? Forums with other regional initiatives provide a mechanism to better collaborate and
communicate the exchange of good practices and better management of Basin resources.
?? Public participation in management of local resources increases ownership of civil society
through microgrant supported community-based activities will enable communities to
understand the cause-effect of environmental and land degradation, and tackle priority issues
in the Basin directly.
?? A completed transboundary diagnostic analysis of the transboundary water-related
environmental issues and root causes across the Basin will be better understood and an
action programme of legal, policy and institutional reforms and investments helps address
the transboundary land and water issues.
?? A strategic action plan provides a regional framework for sustainable management of the
Basin's land and water resources.
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Table 3: Incremental Cost Matrix
Development
Cost
Total
Overall Domestic and Global Benefits
Objective
Category
US$
Million
Development
Baseline
16.722
Overall Domestic Baseline Benefits:
Overall Global Baseline Benefits:
Objective
?? Countries only taking unilateral action to
reverse degradation trends, and bilateral
Under the baseline scenario, there are
Develop and
assistance's reluct ance to fund water
insufficient financial resources to address the
implement
projects without any clear knowledge, or
regional transboundary issues that contribute
sustainable measures
agreement, on sustainability of riparian land
to global benefits. If the Project is not
for reversing trends
and water uses, upstream and downstream.
implemented it is not contributing to any
in land and water
?? National efforts are continued but are
significant global baseline benefits.
degradation through a
insufficient to mitigate threats to river
collaborative
systems, though effort is made under the
National efforts continue under the baseline
decision-making
SDAP it lacks a comprehensive approach to scenario.
process in the Niger
integrate the environmental issue for which
River Basin
there continues to be minimal coordination
between countries on environmental
management policies, strategies, laws and
programs within countries.
?? National capacities in pursuing effective
and integrated land/ water resources
management commence but insufficient
regional support for an integrated
management framework.
?? National local players sensitized to
environmental concerns but mechanisms do
not exist for exchanging lessons learned and
cooperative decision-making on Basin and
resources management.
?? Opportunities for the exchange of lessons
learnt are made available to a range of
stakeholders in West Africa basins.
?? Countries face growing environmental,
social, and economic costs and a decrease in
available natural resources, from
degradation of the Niger River Basin
system and are unable to formulate a
strategic program for sustainable Basin
management.
With GEF 29.722
Overall Domestic GEF Alternative Benefits:
Overall Global GEF Alternative Benefits:
Alternative
?? National policies and standards for water
?? Strengthening of policy, institutions and
and environmental management will be
incentives for regional co-operation,
harmonized in line with a common strategy
involving all players, in which
(SDAP) at the Basin level, with information
institutional barriers are removed, make
and support of donors.
the international waters effort a catalyst
?? Institutional capacity is strengthened and
for regional co-operation.
management efforts among the riparian
?? Institutional mechanisms to guide and
countries are better coordinated using
co-ordinate national plans and actions
international co-operation mechanisms.
within a common regional vision and
?? National institutional and technical
framework for action
capacities in River Basin planning and
?? Mechanisms for engendering public
integrated land and water resources
participation in sound development
management are strengthened,
planning and management at Basin -
?? A wide range of intervention measures are
ecosystem level are developed and
implemented to address the root causes of
funded
water resources and environmental
?? Forums for lessons-learned, training on
degradation,
regional transboundary issues are made
available.
?? Resource conservation and protection
?? Strengthened environment leading to a
practices and interventions are successful
dynamic regional instrument able to aid
and well-targeted public advocacy and
decisions for maximisation of economic
awareness campaigns contribute to
and social impacts, and minimisation of
improvements in the Niger Basin.
environmental impacts.
??
?? A set of horizontal activities is launched
across sectors and borders in order to
stimulate co-operation and capacity
building in land and water resources
management.
?? A strategic framework for sustainable
land and water management is prepared
for the Basin.
6
Development
Cost
Total
Overall Domestic and Global Benefits
Objective
Category
US$
Million
Incremental
Overall Domestic Incremental Co st Benefits:
Overall Global Incremental Cost Benefits:
Cost
13.00
?? Countries will be able to strengthen water
??Strengthened regional, national, and local
and environment management without
institutional capacity in all nine-Basin
losing development funds for other critical
countries will support effective execution
short -term priorities and without losing
capacity for future regional project
competitive position.
implementation.
?? Interventions will be more targeted at
??Strengthened regional, national, and local
removing the root causes of threats, thus
institutional capacity for sustainable land
improving the efficacy and cost -
and water resource management in the
effectiveness of management endeavours.
Niger River Basin with an in clusive
?? National capacities to implement a holistic
framework for regional cooperation will be
resources management method at all levels
supported through agreements on policy
will be strengthened for improved
/institutional and legal adjustments at
sustainable management of the Basin's
regional and national levels.
resources.
??Harmonized and coherent Basin -wide
national data collection, and effective data
?? Civil society more responsive to
disseminated will be valuable capacity for
environmental protection measures.
the national and regional decision-makers.
?? Ecological sustainability of activities in the
??Forums with other regional initiatives
Basin will be better assured, for each
provide a mechanism to better collaborate
country.
and communicate the exchange of good
practices and better management of Basin
resources.
??Public participation in management of
local resources increases ownership of
civil society through microgrant supported
community-based activities will enable
communities to understand the cause-
effect of environmental and land
degradation, and tackle priority issues in
the Basin directly.
??A completed transboundary diagnostic
analysis of the transboundary water-related
environmental issues and root causes
across the Basin will be better understood
and an action programme of legal, policy
and institutional reforms and investments
helps address the transboundary land and
water issues.
??A strategic action plan provides a regional
framework for sustainable management of
the Basin's land and water resources.
Component
Costs
US$
DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL BENEFITS
Activities
Category
million
Component 1 Project Management
Baseline
1.07
?? National level contributions to the NBA are maintained.
Activity 1.1:
?? Regional capability within NBA and countries in executing and coordination regional projects
Establish a Project
within a transboundary context is not put in place.
Management Unit
?? Human resources, operational and technical capacity exists within mostly the NBA for
(PMU)
leading, implementing and monitoring transboundary water and environmental projects.
Activity 1.2: Recruit
?? Guidelines, expertise and training capacities for transboundary environmental management
Project Staff
and facilities exist within NBA.
Activity 1.3:
1.5
?? Recruitment of highly qualified consultants and experts to support the full program
Organize the
Incremental
implementation during 4 years who will provide guidance and technical assistance.
management bodies
Cost
?? Creation of operational national and local teams in all 9 NBA countries.
at national and local
?? Guidelines for appropriate training are prepared and training executed for NBA, regional and
levels
national experts.
Activity 1.4 Asses
and establish local
7
Development
Cost
Total
Overall Domestic and Global Benefits
Objective
Category
US$
Million
and establish local
GEF
2.57
?? Appropriate human capacities developed to promote and support participatory practices, at all
coordination units
Alternative
levels, and to ensure a permanent evaluation and follow-up of transboundary activities.
Activity 1.5 Project
?? Appropriate national and local units will be established, equipped and organised in order to
management training
efficiently deliver project Components, give technical assistance and manage program
for NBA staff
activities. and
?? Application of standardized guidelines for design, coordinated implementation and monitoring
of GEF project activities and strengthened capabilities will be harmonized and coordinated.
?? Regional, sub-regional, national and local institutions will be able to co-ordinate strategic
action to adequately cope with degradation of land and water resources of the Basin.
?? Training of staff, and national and local level institutions made available and consistent with
the overall objective of the Project.
Component 2: Capacity Building
Baseline
4.420
?? Regional and national base for building real capacity toward the management of
Activity 2.1: Assess
transboundary identified and baseline efforts to strengthen capacity commences.
the gaps in capacity
?? Necessary regional, national, and local human resources and skill-base for implementing a
in the Basin at the
regional project on land and water degradation is not completely known.
regional, national and
?? National and local capacity and institutions lack necessary expertise and ability to
local level
appropriately and sustainable manage the Niger Basin.
Activity 2.2:
?? Elements put in place for a strategic development plan in the Basin. However, decision on
Elaborate an
international and national water and land resources remain unsustainable inducing continued
Operational Strategy
resource degradation.
for Educational and
?? Knowledge of the issues will be not accessible to all stakeholders.
Training Strategies
Incremental
1.5
?? Existing capacities will be assessed and necessary scaling done for full operationally of the
Activity 2.3:
Cost
project.
Conduct training
?? Appropriate and necessary training of all NBA and member countries personnel involved in
courses
water resources management and other sectors and issues.
Activity 2.4 Public
?? Better knowledge of and cooperation for transboundary management and reversal of land and
education and
water degradat ion will be obtained and necessary information network developed.
awareness programs
?? All stakeholders, including communities and water users in general will be informed of and
consulted for major decisions that can affect their livelihoods or their opinion and knowledge
will be taken into account.
GEF
5.920
?? Provisions to assess land and water degradation into a better regional and national context
Alternative
results in securing good practices.
?? A sound base for adequate technical equipment and necessary scaling of new purchase is
obtained for efficient use of financial resources.
?? Efficient and integrated management of Niger Basin water resources including inter-sectoral
approach, social issues and environmental impacts.
?? Information measures to inform stakeholders regarding land and water degradation will be
better designed, implemented, and get full support from various stakeholders, thus improving
global benefits while improving community livelihoods and environment.
Component 3: Data Management
Activity 3.1: Assess
Baseline
0.66
?? Information sharing and benefit from other experiences of river basin management. NBA has
the quality of data on
limited knowledge of best practices and issues of global significance.
water resources an
?? Regional and national water institutions lack the tools for comprehensive planning and
identify gaps through
decision-making, and management remains fragmented and unsustainable.
a series of studies on
?? Wide portions of the Basin remain uncovered and transboundary issues will be neglected.
existing data,
?? Information on best practices for natural resource conservation and management under
monitoring indicator
participatory and decentralized management structures is maintained. and
and knowledge
?? Though some effort is made to expand data collection and exchange, it remains intermittent
baseline
and inconsistent.
Activity 3.2: Build
Incremental
2.0
?? Study of all current projects and capitalization of their results on which the new project can
on existing
Cost
build upon or use acquired data.
knowledge on
?? Study of all current projects and capitalization of their results on which the new project can
technical and
build upon or use acquired data.
protocol matters to
?? National and regional training course for date managers (collectors, processors, interpreters,)
prepare appropriate
and data users (policy and decisions makers) to improve quality of data management and
data sharing
dissemination.
mechanism ensuring
?? Necessary transboundary infrastructure including data collection instruments will be agreed
quality, compatibility
upon by national governments and further developed to reverse land and water degradation.
and sharing
8
Development
Cost
Total
Overall Domestic and Global Benefits
Objective
Category
US$
Million
Activity 3.3:
GEF
2.66
?? Capitalization of skills, lessons and experiences on climatological and hydrological data
Conduct national and
Alternative
necessary for better knowledge of trends and for monitoring progress.
regional training
?? Water resources management is supported by improved data and the resource is better
course for date
understood allowing for improved management decisions will be effective thus preventing
managers and data
further degradation of water resources that may affect global environment.
users to improve
?? Global benefits will be achieved through Basin wide management of land and water resources
quality of data
and a regional frame for cooperation. and
management and
?? Decentralized and efficient management of natural resources is secured with cross-sectoral
dissemination
implications and benefits.
Activity 3.4:
?? An informational framework for water resources management is set up, and incorporated into
Establish a basin-
the economic model, at regional level and used for planning new initiative in an adequate
wide management
manner. Decisions will be made to secure long-term sustainability of investments.
protocol and
?? Four new countries will be covered by the project that provides a basis for their full integration
implement process
into the Organisation. and
for collection an data
?? New opportunities and knowledge will emerge as a result of the implementation of pilot
exchange by
projects about best environmental management practices.
strengthening
institutional links
between national and
regional institutions
to share data
Activity 3.5:
Augment the basin-
wide economic
model being
developed with
environmental data
Component 4: Regional Forum
Activity 4.1:
Baseline
0.00
?? Basin mangers do not have a comprehensive understanding of best practices and lessons
Comparative analysis
learned from other International Waters projects.
of other international
Incremental
0.50
?? A forum for sharing lessons learned to develop knowledge of and experience for sustainable
basins
Cost
River Basin management for NBA and its national counterparts.
Activity 4.2:
GEF
0.50
?? A broader, international network strengthens the collaborative process and information and
GEF regional forum
Alternative
knowledge exchange.
on international
?? NBA and stakeholders implement lessons and experiences that will be applicable to the Niger
waters projects
River Basin in managing international waters and in reversal of land and degradation trends.
Component 5 Demonstrating Change in the Basin Microgrant supported interventions
Activity 5.1 Use the
Baseline
10.11
?? Current baseline projects have national scope and sector specific, lacking a transboundary
outcomes form the
element.
final TDA to identify
?? Effort to improve land management, to reduce sedimentation and river degradation is
basin-wide priority
commenced but no mechanisms available for exchange of information and replication.
issues
?? No framework for on-the-ground implementation of activities of regional character exists.
Activity 5.2.Prepare
?? Local based efforts difficult to commence due to lack due to public information and
the Microgrant
knowledge of best management practices.
operational manual
??
Activity 5.3 Select
Incremental
5.0
?? Microgrant demonstration projects will be run as stand-alone projects and no integration into
and sub-contract a
Cost
SAP or replication is possible.
national NGO in each
?? Implementation of on-the-ground activities to consolidate experience in land and water
riparian country to
resources management and, to establish joint country teams for cooperative work.
manage the
?? Development of project manuals and determination of sites, tasks and Components on the
microgrant
basis of technical standards.
component
?? Prepare appropriate project procurement plans on the basis of existing experience prior to
Activity 5.4 Public
implementation.
information
?? Participatory approaches will be adopted to enhanced participation in implementation and use
campaign on
of local knowledge. and.
microgrants
?? Full coordination and exchange of experience to apply best practices and solutions for reversal
Activity 5.5
of degradation trends.
Implement, monitor
and evaluating the
GEF
15.11
?? Most of land and water degradation issues are transboundary and need full cooperation in an
microgrants
Alternativ e
agreed time frame, agenda and sharing of experience to enhance global benefits.
?? Availability of standards that will be used as input for mid-term and final stage assessment of
project results.
?? Enhanced project Components and possibility to replicate micro-grant supported interventions
on a Basin wide on the basis of lessons learned.
?? Enhanced project participation and, possibility to replicate projects Basin wide on the basis of
lessons learned.
?? Disposal of adapted solutions and practices for solving the threatening degradation trends to
land and international waters.
9
Development
Cost
Total
Overall Domestic and Global Benefits
Objective
Category
US$
Million
Component 6. TDA and SAP
Baseline
0.460
?? The current preliminary TDA remains limited to the 5 main NBA member countries and full
Activity 6.1: Finalize
Basin TDA is not developed.
the TDA to include
?? Current projects methodologies, problems and potential for improving land resources
the remaining
management will be not taken into account when designing the project.
riparian countries
?? Use of data and knowledge captured by the TDA and subsequent action will be limited to
Activity 6.2:
project lifespan because of the lack of along term frame for continuous technical and financial
Develop the SAP
support with regards to transboundary management of land and water resources.
based upon the TDA
?? SAP implementation capacity at national level does not exist and SAP recommendat ions will
Activity 6.3:
remain unimplemented to a greater extent.
Validate the SAP
?? Only conventional funding channels will be explored. No regional coordination of fund
Activity 6.4 Engage
raising campaigns is provided.
donors to implement
?? The existing conditions and enabling environment will be not conducive to the implementation
the SAP
of SAP.
?? National policies, laws, and institutions focus on domestic water issues and not transboundary
ones.
Incremental
2.5
?? Extension of the TDA to all 9 Niger Basin countries and full study and coverage of
Cost
transboundary issues identified in all sectors of land and water management.
?? A full SAP for reversal of land and water degradation trends is designed using existing and
future data from TDA studies to serve as a platform for negotiating further and longer term
support to the implementation of efficient activities for improving land and water resources
management in a sustainable manner.
?? Measures that will be necessary for full implementation of SAP will be designed and
integrated into project activities.
?? Financial provision for a fund raising campaign for full donor support will be used to design a
strategic fund raising plan that will yield needed additional funding of SAP activities.
?? Different components of SAP will be validated with the relevant stakeholders, and conditions
will be created for its successful implementation.
2.96
?? Creation of an enabling environment for Basin-wide approach for reversing land and water
GEF
degradation trends and comprehensive understanding of transboundary issues and root causes
Alternative
for the SAP design.
?? Support for the design of the SAP as part of the project will sustain the benefit for global
environment and sustainable management of land and water rehabilitation activities that take
time to provide benefits and results at regional and global level.
?? Global benefit can be sustained in the longer term as the SAP implementation procedures are
agreed upon and integrated into the GEF project.
?? Drafting and implementation of a fund raising plan and its coordination through the GEF
project will yield more additional funds for the SAP and concurrent SDAP.
?? The GEF project would fund enabling activities related to environmental management and
development of a shared vision as the base for sustainable management.
TOTALS
Baseline
16.722
Incremental
13.00
Cost
GEF
29.722
Alternative
10
Annex B
Project Design Summary
Project For Reversing Land And Water Degradation Trends In The Niger River Basin
Hierarchy of
Key Performance Indicators
Monitoring and
Critical
Objectives
Evaluations
Assumptions
Sector Related/CAS
Sector Indicators
Sector/Country Reports
(Goal to Bank Mission)
Goal3
Strengthened regional, national, and local institutional
Increase sustainable
capacity in all nine-basin countries that will support
Supervision Reports
Continued political
practices to reduce
effective execution capacity for future investments and
Mid-term Evaluation
commitment and
poverty through
Project implementation for sustainable land and water
Report
support from all
strengthened regional
resource management in the Niger River Basin.
GEF Project
riparian countries
and national institutions
An inclusive framework for regional cooperation, supported
Implementation
necessary for
and to improve
through agreements on policy/institutional and legal
Review (GEF PIR)
sustainability
environmental
adjustments at regional and national levels with
Implementation
management in the
harmonized and coherent basin-wide national data
Completion Report
Required cooperation
Basin
collection, regional modelling, monitoring and evaluation
(ICR)
between regional
and effective data dissemination that will be valuable
Project Performance
and local institutions
GEF Operational
capacity for local, national and regional decision-makers.
and Evaluation
Program:
Forums with other regional initiatives, that will provide a
Review (PPER)
Integrated land and
mechanism to better collaborate and communicate the
Tri-Partite Review (TPR)
water multiple focal area
exchange of good practices and better management of
Annual Pr oject
the Basin's resources.
Implementation
Demonstration of good practices and awareness raising in
Review (GEF-PIR)
pilot sites on priority areas identified by member
countries with public and increased ownership of civil
society and will enable communities to understand the
cause-effect of environmental and land degradation, and
tackle priority issues in the Basin directly.
Strategic Action Programme provides legal, policy and
institutional reforms for future sustainable investments in
the Basin.
Project Development
Outcome/Impact Indicators
Project Reports
(From Objective to
Objective
Established operational PMU with clear administrative
NBA prepared annual work
Goal)
responsibilities, transparent financial management, and
plans, monthly
Develop and implement
effective technical capacity.
narrative reports,
Riparian country
sustainable measures
Enhanced regional, national and local institutional capacities
Semi-annual Project
governments have
for reversing trends in
between and among the Basin countries and the NBA,
Implementation
agreed upon and are
land and water
through improved collaboration and capacity building
Progress Reports,
committed to achieve
degradation through a
tools, to better address and manage transboundary
Annual Substantive
Project development
collaborative decision-
issues.
Project Progress
objective
making process
Improved data collection and data exchange mechanisms
Report and Work
established in all nine countries, and agreed to
Plan,
Proper institutional and
cooperation protocols for greater knowledge of the Niger Collaborative data
legal arrangements
River as it relates to the environment and river
collection and data
are established
hydrology, more specifically to land and water
exchange will be
between the
degradation.
incorporated in water
Bank/UNDP and
Exchanged good management practices with other regional
resources
NBA
lake and river basin programs (Volta, Nile, Senegal,
management plans
Lake Chad), and defined processes and practices to Microgrant activities
The riparian countries
minimize land and water degradation, and support
evaluation reports
are committed to
environmental conservation and sustainable Public Participation
sustain Project
development.
Program information
activities, and
Involved communities, through a community driven
literature
implement lessons
development process, in piloting microgrant supported Completed TDA and
learned after Project
interventions to demonstrate and promote effective best
GEF-SAP
is established and
land and water management practices to address Reports to the World
completed
targeted sector issues and lessons learned.
Bank/UNDP as
Enhanced local community education and awareness, host
outlined in the
Project activities are
trained on good management practices, implementation
Monitoring and
coordinated with
lessons exchanged for activity replication, and
Evaluation Plan
compatible activities
implementation process and successes monitored and
in the Basin
evaluated
Completed Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and adopted
Strategic Action Programme, which provides a
framework for priority actions for sustainable
development in the Basin.
13 The sector goal is a compilation of compatible sector goals identified from the PRSP and CAS reports from the nine countries in the
Niger River Basin
11
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Component 1: Project Management
Activity 1.1: Establish a
Complete PMU needs assessment
Project Management Unit
PMU office established and operational
PMU staff contracts
(PMU)
Supporting infrastructure procured
Quarterly progress reports
PMU/Executing Agency consistently meets
Support for NBA
Project implementation schedule deadlines
augmented
within the
Activity 1.2:
Competitively recruit PMU project staff to agreed
PMU TOR and contracts
PMU, Basin-
Recruit Project Staff
service standards as needed
wide national
Complete contracts for PMU staff
institutions
and
international
Activity 1.3:
COUNTRY SPECIFIC NATIONAL PROJECT
National level institutions
supporters,
Establish the Project
MANAGEMENT ORGANS ESTABLISHED
TOR and contracts
continues
implementation structure
Complete contracts for national management
Assessment report for the
beyond
organs
national agencies
Project
Identify and strengthen local level coordination
technical and physical
completion
teams active in the domain of water and
needs
environmental management
Local level institutions TOR
National and local institutions
and contracts
continue to support the
Assessment report for the
efforts of the NBA and
Local level technical
continue a collaborative
and physical needs
dialogue
Activity 1.4 Project
Project management training, and project
Project management and
management training
implementation training for improved
implementation training
PMU, NBA staff, and
management capacity to include financial,
reports
national levels
administrative, logframe and procurement
training
Component 2: Capacity Building of NBA, Member States and Other Stakeholders
Activity 2.1: Assess the
Assess the gaps in capacity in the Basin at the
Capacity Assessment
Riparian country governments
gaps in capacity in the
regional, national and local levels, to include
and institutions are
Basin at the regional,
but not limited to cooperation and dialogue
Integrated water resources
committed to cooperate in
national, and local level
tools, managing environmental and social, and
management and
strengthening regional,
conflict resolution issues
environmental training
national, and local
package
capacities
Activity 2.2: Elaborate an
Elaborate an Operational Strategy for Educational
Multi-media communications
Operational Strategy for
and Training Strategies for local, national
Training guidelines and
community involved with
Educational and Training
and regional capacity building
manual for managing
adaptable tools
Strategies
environmental and
Target groups and
Activity 2.3: Conduct
From capacity assessment identify specific
social issues including
communities agreed on
training courses
training program needs
conflict resolution
key principles and apply
Training tools and program for integrated land and
them
water management tools designed and
Multi-media public
tested
participation and
Prepare draft training manuals
information program
Conduct a series of training session to train the
National workshop
trainers
program
Increased regional and national capacity building
Multi-media monitoring
and training at NBA and at the national level
progress report
completed
Yearly NGOs progress
report
Activity 2.4 Public
Public participation and information program with
education and awareness
tools and materials for local and national multi-
programs
media campaign prepared
National networks and targeted groups identified
Increased rural community awareness and public
participation effective through local media
campaign and workshops
Monitoring group hired to assess progress and
lessons learned
Multi-media campaign active during project
implementation
12
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Component 3: Data Management
Activity 3.1: Assess the
Assess existing conditions, and current status of
Existing conditions
quality of data
data, and report on the state of land
assessment report
Political willingness for
degradation and desertification
implementing tools and
Assess the quality of data on water resources and
mechanisms for a
identify gaps on what is being collected,
sustainable environmental
what's being done with the data on regional,
monitoring system of the
transboundary and nationwide
River basin
Complete a series of studies on existing data,
monitoring indicator and knowledge baseline
Basin stakeholders agree
upon an integrated
Activity 3.2: Build on
From the assessment report,
communications, data,
existing knowledge
understand the process by which
knowledge, and model-
data is collected, and identify
driven DSS for managing
current use of data and the
the Basin's water and
possible range of opportunities to
land resources
best utilize this data regionally and
nationally
Build on existing knowledge on
technical and protocol matters to
prepare appropriate data sharing
mechanism ensuring quality,
compatibility and sharing
A water resources and environmental
data exchange netw ork and
cooperation network in place and
operational
Cooperative technical, framework
between NBA and riparians
agreed upon and validated
Activity 3.3: Establish a
Follow on recommendations and
Basin-wide
basin-wide management
findings in Activity 3.2, and
Management
protocol
establish a basin-wide
Protocol
management protocol and
MOU on the cooperative
implement process for collection
and inclusive
an data exchange by
framework for
strengthening institutional links
managing the Niger
between national and regional
River Basin's
institutions to share data
resources
All nine riparian agree upon a
cooperative and collaborative
approach to managing the Basin's
resources
Activity 3.4: Conduct
Conduct national and regional training
Laboratory and monitoring
national and regional
courses for data managers
equipment training
training course
(collectors, processors, and
manuals for good
interpreters) and data users (policy
practices and
decision makers) to improve
procedures
quality of data management and
dissemination
Improved monitoring equipment
technical training completed
13
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Activity 3.5: Augment the
Integrate, as part of the economic DSS being
basin-wide economic
prepared for the Basin, the appropriate and
Procedures manual for
model being developed
relevant environmental data for improved
implementing the
with environmental data
resource management
environmental and
Assess current management practices and
water sections of the
evaluate future best management practices
model
to determine new potential economic
incentives and cost- benefit analysis of
common management of key environmental
infrastructure
Environmental training for environmental
information and modeling parameters as
needed for completion of integrated basin-
wide model
Financial mechanisms for sustainable, post-
Project monitoring operations are
established
14
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Component 4: Regional Forum
Activity 4.1:
Coordinate with the UNSO/Sida- Sahel
Comparative analysis
International willingness
Comparative analysis of
Programme in the region to establish
Regional Forum Report
and intra-basin
other international
compatible efforts to in better
cooperation
basins
understanding the land degradation
necessary for
issues
exchange of lessons
Utilize "UNDP Best Practices Competition on
learned and good
Local and Traditional Technologies in
management
Combating Desertification and
practices
Mitigating the Effects of Drought" and/or
other appropriate document identifying
and determine optimal interventions in
the Basin
Complete a comparative analysis of good
management practices and project
implementation and lessons learned
from other IW projects in Africa
Activity 4.2: GEF
Organize and conduct a regional forum
regional forum on
on regional international waters
international waters
projects for the exchange of good
projects
management practices and
lessons learned
Component 5: Demonstrating Change in the Basin Microgrant Program
Activity 5.1 Identify
Use the outcomes form the final TDA to identify
Microgrant supported
priority issues from TDA
basin-wide priority issues
activities comply with
Environmental
Activity 5.2.Prepare the
Draft and discuss project operational and
Management
Microgrant operational
implementation manuals
Framework
manual
Manual will include but not limited to
Progress Reports on,
Administrative and implementation
implementation
requirements
success, and
Microgrant selection criteria
expenditures to
Compliance with the Environmental
progress
Management Framework
Microgrant replication
Requirements for training and public outreach
criteria and
Microgrant replication criteria are drafted in and
demonstration
completed pilot-demonstration lessons learned
requirement manual
have been identified
Activity 5.3 Select and
Administrative actions necessary to disburse
sub-contract a national
microgrants
NGO in each riparian
Select and sub-contract a national NGO in each
country
riparian country to manage the microgrant
program
Activity 5.4 Implement
Procure for pilot demonstrations in each of the
pilot demonstration
nine countries
activities
Demonstration pilot established in the nine
riparian countries
Public information and outreach for each activity
is conducted
Training and workshops for pilot demonstrations
Public information and outreach program to share
lessons learned
Replication incentives are prepared for post-
Project activities
15
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Activity 5.5 Implement
Select, through a competitive selection process,
microgrant activities in
activities to be supported by microgrant funds
the Basin
Procure for each microgrant supported activities
Community groups, NGOs and women's
groups identified for participation in microgrant
program
16
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Activity 5.7 Public
Implement an information campaign on
information campaign
microgrant activities
Activity 5.8 Monitor and
Monitor and evaluate microgrant program
evaluating the
activities and outcomes:
microgrant program
- Address priority needs of the targeted
community
- Substantiate socio-economic benefits
- Provide environmental benefits
- Comply with safeguards outlined in the --
Project's Environmental Management
Framework and Operational Manual
Component 6: Strategic Action Plan for the Niger River Basin Management
Activity 6.1: Finalize the
TDA Preparation Working Group
Preliminary issues- report
Agreement between
TDA to include the
formed
on critical
the basin
remaining riparian
Diagnostic TOR and methodology
transboundary
stakeholders on the
countries
prepared
problems,
working groups to
Organizations to be associated in the
Minutes of TORs and TDA
address the TDA and
process working on the TDA are
methodology approval
on preparation
trained
Draft TDA
methodology
Regional and national TDA workshops
Experts review of draft
Donors are willing to
take place
TDA
provide support for
Critical issues and root causes in the
Final TDA report Local and
the Basin's
basin identified and agreed upon
National Workshop
transboundary
Thematic studies carried out, and
findings report
priority issues
studies validated, and summary
GEF-SAP preparation
All nine countries are
report is prepared
workshop reports
agree to the
TDA prepared and reviewed by experts GEF-SAP document
guidelines and
TDA adopted and approved
MOU on GEF-SAP
mechanisms in
Activity 6.2: Develop
Consultation mechanisms for GEF-SAP
priorities
place, and are
the SAP based upon the
specified and implemented
Final draft of GEF-SAP
committed to
TDA
National workshops, where SAP main
manage
priorities, actions and interventions are
environmental and
identified
social issues
SAP workshops conducted
Agreement between
SAP completed
stakeholders on the
SAP approved and published
GEF-SAP priority
axes
17
Output from each
OUTCOME/IMPACT INDICATORS
PROJECT REPORTS
(From Outputs to
Component Activity
Objective)
Activity 6.3: Validate
From the SAP and SDAP prepare a
axes
the SAP
partnership program and donor
Agreement between
conference for funding and
stakeholders on
implementation of the GEF-SAP
GEF-SAP
Nine riparian countries agree upon a
preparation
cooperative approach to managing the
methodology
Basin's resources
Activity 6.4 Engage
Following Donor Conference prepare TOR
donors to implement the
and budgets and strategic
SAP
implementation plan to implement
commitments from
Component
(Component budget)
Project Reports
(From Components to
Outputs)
Component1 Project
2.57
Supervision Reports
A participatory strategic
Management
Mid-term Evaluation
environmental
Component 2 Capacity
5.920
Report
framework for the
Building
GEF Project
environmentally
Component 3 Data
2.660
Implementation Review sustainable
Management
(GEF PIR)
development of the
Component 4: Regional
.500
Implementation
Niger River Basin is
Forum
Completion Report
achieved and a basin-
Component 5:
15.11
(ICR)
wide cooperative
Demonstrating Change
program for
in the River Basin-
transboundary land-
Microgrants
water management
Interventions
initiated
Component 6: TDA/SAP
2.960
TOTAL
29.722
18
Annex C
Letters of Endorsement
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
19
Annex D
Final and Preliminary STAP Reviews
REVERSING LAND AND WATER DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE NIGER RIVER BASIN
FINAL, DOWNSTREAM REVIEW NO . 1:
Overall impression
The Project Brief and Annexes (PB&A) have been revised to concur with comments made in the two earlier reviews. Apart
from a modified version of the PB&A, responses to particular questions in the "upstream STAP Roster Technical Reviews"
have been given in Annex E. Some important issues have been clarified in Annex E, viz. the relations and complementarities
of SAP and SDAP; the conditions under which the microgrant program is organised; the role of the Scientific Advisory
Committee (SAC); and, that it is a four year project. I am also pleased to note, "...Letters of endorsement are in
preparation". In terms of substance, it is also appreciated that "... land and water tenure, urbanisation and other sector issues
[are] to be addressed in the SAP SDAP process". The same applies to Rain Water Harvesting and other specific
interventions.
There are still some issues that need to be clarified, which will be presented in the sections below.
An overall impression is that the Project addresses serious problems in the Niger River Basin, with grave implications for
present and future generations, in the basin as well as beyond. A second reading of the (revised) documents reinforces
the impression that the Project enjoys wide support from the riparian countries.
Relevance and priority
A strengthening of the mechanisms that could forge a better co-ordination between national and community institutional
arrangements, on the on hand, and regional structures on the other, is most important. Concurrence with NEPAD, ALWMI,
LCBC, etc. adds relevance to the project.
A most pertinent issue in the Niger Basin is the ongoing land and water degradation and the significant reduction,
and regional shift, in the water resources in recent decades in combination with land degradation and increasing
pollution. A dwindling resource base and a continuous rapid increase of the population is most problematic
combination. If allowed to continue unabated, these alarming trends will have accelerating devastating effects on the
environment as well as on society. They have already resulted in tensions in the basin. So far, it seems that tensions at
the international level have not been severe, but they could very well mount. In addition, the link between poverty
and environmental degradation could be cemented. The Project Components are of direct relevance in this regard:
Efforts to strengthen institutional arrangements (Capacity building Component 2), data and information collection
and analyses (Data Management Component 3), Re gional Forum (Component 4) and the Microgrants (Component
5).
Many of the efforts to reverse the trends should be designed at a regional scale and then be translated into actions,
dialogues and evaluations at the lower levels. At the same time, the importance of community-based approaches is
underlined in the PB&A.
Approach
Management of the Project is still not quite clear. In the Project Executive Summary (PES), it is mentioned that
"The Project will be executed by an executing agency on behalf of the NBA Executive Secretariat who will be
responsible for supporting NBA Executive Secretariat...."(Under: 5. Institutional Coordination & Support).
Apart from peculiarities of formulation, it is not shown how the responsibilities of the executing agency will be
coordinated with the PMU, which will be " ...primarily responsible for project implementation". The difference
between "execution" and "implementation" needs to be made explicit. In Table 1, Annex J, the executing agency
is missing. According to the same Table and in the text, it seems that the PMU will have both
implementing/executing obligations and be the key agent responsible for monitoring. Monitoring, in turn, is the
basis for Project evaluation and, thus, for correction of policy. This implies a double role for PMU, which could be
problematic.
In Annex E (Response to STAP Technical Review) it is noted, "... The staffing of the PMU will be of the highest
caliber, competitively selected staff to assist in Project implementation". That is well and good. What will happen
at the end of the four-year period?
The Niger River Basin Task Force is another unit proposed to be part of the management structure. It is
supposedto serve as ". A steering committee in an advisor capacity ...". The members are supposed to come from,
20
among others, the executing agency. The member representing the executive agency would therefore be both an
advisor and an executor.
When reading the documents, it appears that there is a certain amount of overlap of functions between the units
and that the roles given to the various units in the management structure should be more clearly identified and
separated.
In the previous Project Brief and Annexes, the role of legislation was highlighted and the importance of
enforcement. In the revised version, I have not been able to find a similar concern. Maybe this is due to the fact
that legal issues are part of the institutional arrangements. It is, however, relevant to make a special note about
the significance of the legal system or the legal principles. To the extent that the different riparian countries have
legal systems, which do not match, it should be a matter of priority to address those differences that are
contradictory. This is important in order to reduce possible conflicts between the riparians in the future and to
have a system and an arena where potential conflicting demands may be dealt with. If, for example, country X
intends to go ahead with a particular project, e.g. a dam or an irrigation project, which country (-ies) Y, Z.
oppose, a common legal framework or some agreed upon principles, would be important. In the documents, it is
mentioned that Nigeria is facing a critical situation in the energy sector and may want to increase its hydroelectric
production. Hence, they do not want to have reductions in the flow in the river, which has implications for what
Nigeria will support or accept in terms of water utilisation in upstream countries.
The creation of a Regional Forum (Component 4) is interesting. I am sure it will be of great help. It might be
useful to also create a "Regional NGO Forum", i.e. a meeting place for the NGOs involved in the Project. In the
light of the difficulties that have been faced to involve local communities (Project Brief, p. 25), it is vital that the
NGOs are supported, since they are the direct links to communities. The selection of NGOs is also a crucial step.
From the documents, it seems that there is, yet, no clear focus in water policy with regard to the sectors of society,
which have a significant impact on water resources. On pages 7 - 8 in the Project Brief, it is mentioned that
"Water resources initiatives are mostly tied to new water supply and sanitation projects..." i.e. to the sector which
has a low consumptive use of water. If this is so, there is a need for initiatives, which refer to the sectors of society
with a heavy consumptive use and/or activities, which have effects on flow (regulation). The Global Water
Partnership will be an important partner in this regard (see page 31, Project Brief).
Objectives
The objectives are formulated in qualitative terms, which give a general picture of what might be accomplished.
Considering the character of the project, this is reasonable. The relation to other regional, national and local
development efforts have become more clearly in the revised proposal. A valid motivation for the arrangement of
data management has been added in the revised version.
Background and justification
As mentioned in my previous evaluation, the documents provide a good picture of the situation and important trends.
Justification for this project is a strong need for increased capacity at various levels in the Basin to reverse the
trends. So far, capacity at regional level is weak. The presentation is clear and valid in these regards.
I also note that there is still a lack of information about the recent or contemporary situation, for instance, in the case
of urbanisation. The same comment can be made about the NGO sector.
Perhaps most important is the need for an elaborate discussion about poverty; how to reach the poor; how to
facilitate that programs will not only mean a certain relief in the daily struggle to survive, but that the poor would be
given opportunities to play a bigger role in development of society, in production in service sectors etc. Again, it is
important that legal provisions are used in a pro-active manner.
Government commitment and sustainability
The documents give clear indications of Government commitment and I believe that letters of endorsement are being
produced. Collectively, Governments will contribute with USD 2.14 million to the Incremental Cost budget, mainly in kind.
World Bank and UNDP contributions in the baseline and GEF Alternative scenarios are substantially much higher. I
suppose that a large proportion of these have to be repaid and, thus, could be seen as government commitments.
The intention of the Project to strengthen regional collaboration. Regional collaboration is essential for reduction of
tensions, to foster exchange and it fac ilitates donor support.
There are, of course, risks associated with the project. But the risks associated with a policy where no actions are taken to
support declared ambitions to build regional capacity would be greater.
Activities
Activities will be organized in relation to the six Project components. Sequence is logical.
Project funding
Please, see my previous review.
Replicability
21
Please, see my previous review.
Time frame
A strategy for follow-ups after the project is essential.
Global environmental benefits and goals of the GEF
Please, see my previous review.
Rationale for GEF support
Please, see my previous review.
Secondary issues to be addressed
Please, see my previous review
Additional comments
I am pleased with comments in Annex E.
Windhoek, February 23, 2003
Jan Lundqvist,
Professor (janlu@tema.liu.se)
FINAL, DOWNSTREAM REVIEW NO. 2:
Upstream STAP reviews were undertaken by me and another STAP International Waters Expert in early January.
The project team based on comments received, including through these reviews, clarified and detailed elements of the
project design. Some modification of the Project has also been done, mainly concerning the significance and content of
the different components. I was invited to provide a final review based on the revised document.
As the main project framework including the project objectives etc. has not changed to any considerably extent,
many of my comments in my upstream review are still valid. I will therefore only provide comments related what is
resulting from the clarification and modification.
Overall Impression
My overall impression of the project remains positive. The stronger emphasis on capacity building, including at local
level, by a more developed Component 5, which would help local communities understanding and combating
land and water degradation is an improvement that would hopefully result in a more sustainable situation even
after the four year project. Comparing the text describing the different activities under the different components
in the project brief with that in the Annexes, however, sometimes is a bit confusing. It seems as the revised
structure of activities is not fully reflected in the different annexes, such as Table 5 on Incremental costs in
Annex A or in the Project design summary in Annex B. This might be a technicality but to achieve effective
implementation the project documentation needs to show conformity.
My current concerns regard the fairly complex administrative structure for the project, which seems to have
developed into something that is even more complex than in the previous version of the project. It is, if such a
complex structure shall really serve the purpose to achieve effective project implementation, extremely
important to have in place efficient reporting systems to ensure the issue of accountability. To achieve
transboundary results the links between local national regional levels must be strong, efficient and well
functioning.
My second concern is a technical issue. Technical terminology appearing in the text is sometimes confusing. It might
be a result of misunderstanding but terms used in the text may call for activities that are not fully efficient to
combat land and water degradation in the area. The text is, for instance consequently using the term "siltation"
instead of "sedimentation". The latter would include deposition of all type of material, the first one only very
fine-grain material and to prevent adverse impacts would require very different activities. The term "sand
salutation" is an unknown term, which I assume should be substituted by either "sand transport" or
"sedimentation of sand", which of course have different implications. "Hydro-erosion" is another unknown
term, which, would it exist, should imply erosion by any kind of water, ground- or surface water, moving or still
water. This is technically impossible and I assume that the term to be used should be "fluvial erosion", which is
erosion by running water. Annex A is in describing the Global Environmental Objective using the term "hydro-
ecological", which again is a confusing unknown term implying ecology in pure water. It is used to describe
ecological elements (systems?) of the Basin and would rather refer to both freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
The mis-use of geomorphological terminology might just be a result of misunderstanding or ignorance but
should not be allowed to influence the real activities of the project.
Relevance and priority
I continue to see the project as timely and urgent.
22
Approach
As I stated in the upstream review, the real strength of the project is the strong local component, demonstrated in
particularly by the strong Component 5, based on the principle of the very successful UNDP Small Grants
Programme. Another strength is the linkage to other ongoing processes in the area such as the SDAP, which also
needs to be linked to the NEPAD-process. This is a strength but could, if the complex administrative and
implementing structure does not comply with its different roles, be a weakness.
Objectives
The objectives, in particularly in the light of the responses by the team given to the upstream STAP reviews, are clear
and focused and should be able to achieve given the activities outlined.
Background and Justification
As I voiced in the upstream STAP review, the project background documentation, in particularly for those countries
where no TDA exists is weak, in particularly regarding on existing institutions that will be accountable for the
implementation at national level concerning all aspects. This will, however, according to the response be detailed
through the appraisal process.
What I raised under item 1 on terminology is hopefully just misuse of terminology and not a result of weak background
documentation!
Government commitment and sustainability
Given the revised background documentation and the responses by the Project Team, the governments commitments to
sustainability of the project seems fully secured. My only concern regarding sustainability is that it is important that
the complex project administration and implementation structure secures a strong base for the institutional structure
that will continue implementing activities in accordance with the project in post-project time.
Activities
The revised system of activities under the different components in particularly under component 5 as well as the
continuous processes under SAP and SDAP would, according to the documentation, ensure that the activities are in
compliance with the objectives.
Project Funding
The project funding structure has been modified to further emphasis the component 5, which is acknowledged with
satisfaction but which makes it even more important to ensure effective results from that important component,
including by the preparation of a manual for these processes and by the monitoring and evaluation process.
Replicability
The lessons-learned from other regional initiatives is demonstrated as being important in the modified project
documentation.
Time frame
Even though the time-frame of the project is four years, it is important that it will generate sustainable activities that will
continue in post-project time.
Global Environmental Benefits and goals of the GEF
The Global Environment Benefits and the goals of the GEF are sufficiently addressed in the revised project document,
where it is emphasised that the project will also be able to address issues linked to the Desertification Convention
under the new Focal Area of Land Degradation.
Rational for GEF support
This is sufficiently covered in the revised project documentation.
Secondary issues to be addressed
The modified project document is allowing for the addressing of issues such as mitigating desertification, the MDGs to
the extent possible, and also compliance with objectives under NEPAD. The Team response to the upstream STAP
reviews also ensured the identification of compliance with social and environmental safeguards. It is important to
ensure that the project in this also include provisions that will include the poor people of the region.
GUNILLA BJÖRKLUND
FEBRUARY 27, 2003
23
Annex D continued:
Preliminary STAP Reviews
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
PRELIMINARY UPSTREAM REVIEW NO. 1:
1. Overall impression
The Niger River Basin is a river system and basin that is shared by 9 countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad,
Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. A River Basin Organisation, Niger Basin Authority, exists and is
creating a framework for cooperation in actions of mutual interest concerning the Niger River and its basin. All nine
riparian countries are signatories to the convention that established the NBA out of the former Niger River Commission
in 1980. The NBA is financially supported by its member states, who are all committed to involve the appropriate
ministers and governmental and non-governmental organisations to fulfil the mandate of the NBA and also work towards
implementation of the proposed GEF project.
Several manageable threats hindering reversal of degradation trends of land and water resources of the Niger River
Basin have been identified. Even though the NBA is to "harmonize and coordinate national policies for
development, plan the development of the Basin; and, realize, exploit and maintain common works and
projects", still there is no coordination between countries on environmental management policies, strategies,
laws and programs. There are also limited avenues for public involvement and capturing of local knowledge
and practices in land and water management. There is a lack of instruments and guidelines for determining
environmental and social impacts of current decisions on regional land and water resources. And there is a lack
of cross-border activities to provide for exchange of data and information for averting possible pollution and
degradation threats to land and water.
The Niger Basin Authority has developed a Strategic Vision for the Basin and is developing a Sustainable
Development Action Plan, SDAP, which is to ensure socio-economic development through agricultural
production, energy, industry, transportation, trade, and other related socio-economic activities. Activities as
proposed in the outlined framework of activities are foreseen as being launched by the NBA and the World
Bank.
The proposed GEF project based in the GEF Strategic Action Plan, should be managed in a complementary
process where the GEF SAP is prioritising environmentally-focussed issues and sectors across the Niger River
Basin member states, as well as developing a framework for environmental management for all development in
the Niger River Basin. The project is concentrated around six components; Project management to augment
regional, national, and local institutional capacity in all nine Basin countries; Capacity building primarily by
focusing on environmental aspects and by including local organisations; Data management, mainly by filling
existing gaps by providing for the ability to undertake integrated analysis of national and transboundary natural
recourses, including ground and surface water and socio-economic concern; Regional Forum to facilitate the
exchange of lessons learned and Basin management best practices in regional Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa;
Demonstrate change in the Niger Basin Microgrant Programme to promote community involvement,
ownership and care of local resources based on experience from the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme;
and complement the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and the Strategic Action Programme for those
riparian countries where that is lacking.
The overall impression idea of the GEF project is good. It will be a necessary complement in the area of achieving
inter-basin and regional/global environmental objectives, in working in a complementary process to the
implementation process for the Niger Basin Sustainable Development Action Plan. The project will serve as an
important framework to provide increased regional, national and local capacity to reduce and prevent
transboundary land- and water-related degradation. A clear benefit is the strong emphasis on involving local
communities within a river-basin framework. Further the strong coordination component would make the
project result in sustainable environmental management and help reversing land and water degradation trends
in the Niger River Basin.
24
2. Relevance and priority
The project will be a necessary complement to other projects both in the Niger River Basin and in Sahelian region as
such. In concentrating on reversing land- and water degradation trends in the Niger Basin it will address root causes as
defined in the TDAs that already exist and ensure the speedy preparation of TDAs for the remaining countries. The
issues thus to be addressed are not focussed in complementary projects which makes the project an important building
block in the larger Strategic Vision for the Niger River Basin.
3. Approach
The success of the project to achieve its objectives is very much depending on to what extent the riparian countries at
national and local level can build the capacity at all levels and coordinate their efforts based on such capacity
towards reversing the land and water degradation trends. The approach presented in detail in the table to Annex
A clearly demonstrates how the suggested interventions would contribute towards strengthening institutional
capacity which would result in provisions for increased technical as well as human capacity.
The project approach includes addressing the problems emanating from the root causes to land and water
degradation at river basin as well as national and local level, and thereby also address the root causes.
The linkage to the root causes is, however, not always clearly expressed in the main text but is implicit
from studying the table in the Annex. The strong local component is the real strength of the project,
and it is particularly important in those sections to demonstrate its contribution towards reversing the
degradation trends.
4. Objectives
The GEF Operational Programme "Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area" objectives for this project are to
reduce and prevent transboundary water-related environmental degradation, prevent land degradation, and to protect
globally significant biodiversity. This would be achieved through sustainable and cooperative integrated management of
the Basin, enhance existing capacity, informed decision-making and ensure the public's greater involvement in the
Basin's decision-making process. The Project's specific development objective is to develop and implement sustainable
measures for reversing trends in land and water degradation through collaborative decision-making in the Basin. The
objectives are clear and focused and should be able to achieve given the activities outlined.
5. Background and justification
The background material provided in the project documentation include documentation on the Niger Basin Authority,
brief documentation on national policies including very briefly on national Country Assistance Strategies, CAS,
based on the World Bank CAS, and Strategic Context and Sector issues, mainly at basin level. Documentation
on Key Sector Issues is mainly based on what exists out of the ongoing process on Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis, TDA, where some TDAs still remain to be done under the project. The material provided gives
sufficient information at River Basin level. However, information on the different riparian countries is meagre. It
is understandable that information sometimes has been difficult to obtain, in particularly for those countries
where no TDA exists but to be able see national conditions including existing institutions, that will be
accountable for the implementation at national level more decomposed information at riparian state level would
have been desirable.
6. Government commitment and sustainability
The origin of the project was a request to UNDP and the World Bank from the Niger Basin Authority, supported by all
nine riparian countries, to provide assistance in preparing an SAP for sustainable management of the Niger Basin's land
and water resources. The countries have thus expressed their commitment to regional actions and to support the regional
mechanism. The project clearly address issues such as strengthening the regional mechanism, grassroot actions and
local/national institutions to achieve sustainable land and water use and management.
7. Activities
The different components as defined in the project brief are not to be seen as a step-by-step process, but should be
undertaken simultaneously. The activities under each component are often to be seen as steps in a sequence. So
should the steps under component Project Management logically result in a strengthen capacity to fulfil the
management, even though the use of consultants should be cautioned for project sustainability reasons. The
capacity building and data management components are both necessary to provide a sound basis of fitting land
and water degradation projects into a better context and securing good results but also to get full support from
various stakeholders. The data management component will secure a bases and instrument for land and water
resources management. The Regional Forum component will ensure comparative analysis of and cooperation
with other international basins. The Microgrants component will, building on outcomes of the final TDA and
SAP, ensure implementation of on-the-ground activities to consolidate experience in land and water
management.
25
8. Project funding
The financing plan for the project, including the different components, GEF project component, other preparation costs,
and co-financing is clearly defined as are associated activities. In the Incremental Cost Matrix the different components
are defined and costed showing proposed levels of funding for the different components that seems very reasonable and
adequate.
9. Replicability
The project would, on top of increasing coordinated efforts to reverse land and water degradation for the Niger River
Basin, also result in exchange of lessons learned on root causes and demonstrating solutions and best practices to address
problems of reversing trends in land and water degradation that are applicable inside and outside of the Sahelian region.
The project component Regional Forum intends to ensure provisions for such added value.
10. Time frame
The clear commitments by the riparian governments and the Niger Basin Authority as well as the ensured participation at
grassroot level should guarantee an impetus towards a swift implementation of the project. With the institutional
framework in place the objectives should be possible to reach within the given time frame.
11. Global environmental benefits and goals of the GEF
The project is clearly addressing issues resulting in global environmental benefits in terms of International Waters, that is
integrated transboundary water resources management and activities. Even though the text refers to protection of globally
significant biodiversity through sustainable and cooperative management of the Basin, this is not specifically indicated in
any definition of the activities, but may be a result of actions taken as a result of the increased capacity built within the
project. The approach proposed for the project would, if carefully applied ensure avoidance of negative environmental
effects.
12. Rationale for GEF support
The project will serve to support "better use of land and water resource management practices on an area-wide basin",
which is the objective of the GEF OP9. It will further assist the countries to better understand the environmental
concerns of shared international water and land resources and assist the countries to work collaboratively to address these
concerns. It will contribute to the building of capacity in existing institutions and implement measures that address the
priority transboundary environmental concerns.
13. Secondary issues to be addressed
The project would by addressing the TDA also address other focal areas such as mitigate desertification. The objectives
to be achieved as a result of the project implementation will fit under the Africa Integrated Land and Water Initiative of
the GEF implementing agencies. It will further contribute toward the fulfilment of the UN Millennium Development
Goals, MDGs, and the objectives for the New Partnership for Africa's Development, NEPAD.
Important aspects under the project are the strong degree of stakeholder participation at national, local and
NGO-level under all components, in particularly under the Microgrant component where the main aspect
is to secure the involvement of local stakeholders in the project. Implementation of the SAP would
through increased capacity lead to mobilizing and generating of sustainable national development
projects. Capacity building aspects at all levels of decision making as well as implementation are
important to the sustainable outcome of the project.
The innovativeness of the project is that it addresses all levels regional, national and local and that it, through
its GEF-Small Grants Programme designed Microgrant component provide for a strong involvement at
the grasroot level.
15. Conclusions
The project complements and builds on other initiatives and projects both at River Basin level, such as the broader
Strategic Shared Vision and Sustainable Development Action Plan, and at national level, such as World Bank, UNDP
TRAC Fund or supported by bilateral donors. Its global environmental objective makes it complementary to these other
initiatives. Its approach, to work at both river basin, national as well as local level, including by involving the grassroot
level makes it contribute to coordination and cooperation that would result in increased sustainable development at all
levels not only from an International Waters perspective but from an environmental, economic and social perspective. It
is therefore recommended that the project be approved.
16 January, 2003 Gunilla Bjorklund
PRELIMINARY, UPSTREAM REVIEW NO.2 :
1. Overall impression
26
The documents reveal grave imbalances between (i) aggregate human needs, (ii) technology and institutional capacity to
meet these needs, and (iii) biophysical resource base. A low level of understanding of the environmental consequences of
resource use practices compounds the problem. A more inspiring impression is a growing realisation about the need for co-
ordination of national efforts. The capacity and commitment in this regard are difficult to assess. Letters of endorsement are,
for instance, missing. Institutional issues, including sensitising efforts, legal and enforcement issues and generation &
management of data/information are highlighted. The documents are less clear on connections to concrete efforts in the
various sectors, which could "yield more from less". It seems vital to enhance the productivity of land and water resources.
2.Relevance and priority
The project forms one important component in the Strategic Vision for the NRB. However, "..a shared vision and the
SDAP is still being designed..." (Project Brief, p. 25). Projects with a similar orientation have been started: NEPAD,
ALWMI, LCBC, etc. The GEF project is timely.
3.Approach
The approach fits with the current drives of regional collaboration and recognition of the need to include NEPAD,
Millenium Development Goals, etc. in development efforts. The six components are all relevant.
The focus on institutional issues is valid. But the mix of integrated strategies and changes in sectoral policies could be
elaborated. The GEF Operational Programme 9 refers to "..integrated land and water management strategies that help
achieve changes in sectoral policies and activities while promoting sustainable development". In the agricultural sector, for
instance, it seems relevant to assess the potential of rainwater harvesting (rain-fed agriculture is mentioned in TDA, but not
RWH). Similarly, the TDA stresses the low level of water use efficiency and high usage of fertilisers and pesticides in
irrigation systems. The recommendations refer to education, sensitisation and investments. In addition, it is relevant to
review subsidies, which I suppose are liberal (for some), irrigation technology options and, generally, combinations of
technical options and institutional arrangements. Land and water tenure is not discussed.
With regard to biodiversity, it is mentioned that problems could be tackled through ".. sustainable and cooperative integrated
management of the Basin, enhance existing capacity, informed decision making and ensure the public's greater
involvement in the Basin's decision-making process (Project Brief, p. 4). Measures at basin level are important, but
prime challenges, and "root causes" lie at another level. As far as I know, there are many "pockets" of relatively
small areas where biodiversity is high, but where species are threatened through poachers, dire poverty, etc. Many
of the "root causes" will not be effectively tackled only through a greater involvement in the Basin's decision-
making process.
Urbanization results in environmental stress and pollution. In Annex G, the section on urbanization is quite brief. Reference
is made to a document from 1975, which deals with erosion. The conclusions and recommendations are not very elaborate.
Is, for instance, clean production technology a realistic alternative? Treatment plants are important, but they are associated
with many shortcomings. How is urban and basin management coordinated?
The division of responsibilities and the difference between execution and implementation of project management (Project
Brief, 20 ff) are not clear. Will the private sector executing agency continue after the project is over? It seems as if the
Scientific Advisory Committee is only expected to be involved in "..project implementation and reporting" (Project
Brief, #76), i.e. not in project identification and design.
Are microgrants offered to communities but not to individuals (Project Brief, pp. 5, 16, 17, 19)? This might be an
appropriate approach in the energy and transportation sectors, but would it work in the agricultural sector? And in the
industrial sector?
4. Objectives
-The objective is valid, but formulated in general terms (Project Brief, p. 5). The last sentence in # 10 indicates that national
and basin priorities have to be harmonized "... These elements are transboundary in nature and clearly transcend national
capacities and priorities.."(ibid.). Have reasonable assurances have been obtained so that national and transboundary
priorities match?
-The fourth bullet (#35), stresses that ".. national programmes would by their nature not address the Basin's
transboundary issues... preparation of nine separate national programmes would be costly and expend
significant resources in coordinating activities". A Basin project will, however, not be a substitute for national
programmes. An important question is rather: which tasks should be taken care of at the regional level and what
tasks are suitable for national level? In the case of data management, it is proposed that " ...riparian countries
collect and process data within their national jurisdictions" (p. 15). If possible, the data management should be
organised at the regional level.
5. Background and justification
The documents give a good picture of the situation and important trends. Justification for this project is a strong
need for increased capacity at various levels in the Basin to reverse the trends. So far, capacity at regional level is
weak. The presentation is clear and valid in these regards.
27
Some information is old, e.g. in the case of urbanisation as noted. There is no information about the strength of NGO,
who they are, their track record, etc. Another missing topic is land and water tenure. It is mentioned that growth
rate is now 5%, but there is no discussion about allocation of national budgets, how subsidies are decided and
similar.
A discussion on how to involve the poor and improve their lot is missing. Community involvement in decision-making
does not automatically empower the poor. It is rather the vocal and better-off segments who make use of such
opportunities. Specific actions are required.
6. Government commitment and sustainability
-Collectively, Government will contribute with USD 2.14 million to the Incremental Cost budget, mainly in kind. World
Bank and UNDP contributions in the baseline and GEF Alternative scenarios, are substantially much higher. I suppose that a
large proportion of these have to be repaid and, thus, could be seen as government commitments.
-The project could play an important role in facilitating sustainability. The intention to strengthen regional collaboration is
very important. Like in all parts of the world, regional collaboration is essential for reduction of tensions, to foster
exchange and it facilitates donor support.
Risks must be interpreted in relation to political circumstances and how successful the project will be in engaging end-users
(Project brief, p.18). There are serious political problems in West Africa, but most of them are currently outside the
Niger basin countries.
7.Activities
-Activities will be organized in relation to the six Project components. Sequence is logical. A few additional activities have
been suggested above: testing the potential for Rain Water Harvesting; the potential of clean production
technologies; urban planning in a basin context.
8. Project funding
-The task is huge, but the funding is also substantial. It may be relevant to discuss if the budget for some activity should be
increased, possibly at the expense of some other component?
9.Replicability
-At this stage, it is rather this project that might replicate from experiences in other similar projects, e.g. the Nile
River Basin Initiative and projects in West Africa. Worldwide, there is a growing experience of microgrants. The
ambition to learn from other projects is mentioned.
10. Time frame
- In Project Brief, a 3-year Action Plan of the NBA (p.26) is mentioned. In table 2 (Annex A), it is stated "..full programme
implementation during four years". It is important to have a timetable, with dates, duration of the various activities
and when results are expected. A strategy for follow-ups after the project is essential.
11.Global environmental benefits and goals of the GEF
-Yes, the project addresses global environmental benefits but these could be much more clearly described. In Table 2
(Annex A), the column "Overall Global GEF Alternative Benefits" provides no insights about benefits. It is a list of
activities and mechanisms.
12. Rationale for GEF support:
On all four accounts, the answer is "yes". Some comments above could be iterated here.
13. Secondary issues to be addressed
Reference to related conventions is implicit rather than explicit. According to TDA ".. the energy situation is characterised
by an abundance of resources". If new dams are given priority in the NRB, the likelihood of damaging environmental
effects increases. It is also possible that the microgrants could be used for projects that are not conducive to environmental
objectives. Generally, it is conceivable that choices between poverty reduction and safeguarding the environment could
favour the former. It is a tricky issue!
14. Additional comments
It is crucial that the institutional arrangements are designed with due regard to incentives and sanctions for the employees.
The motivation of project staff to contribute to project performance and their compliance with the idea of the project are of
significant importance.
January 15, 2003 Jan Lundqvist
28
Annex E
RESPONSE TO FINAL AND PRELIMINARY STAP REVIEWS
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
RESPONSE TO THE FINAL STAP REVIEWS:
Overall Impression:
The Team is pleased with the both of the final, STAP reviews, and that the comments from the preliminary, so-called
upstream reviews have been satisfactorily addressed in the revised Brief. The Team hopes to further clarify the few
additional comments from both reviews.
There has been an attempt to clarify the component activities and institutional arrangements for consistency. Further
efforts during the Appraisal phase will finalize both the details of the activities and their detailed efforts, and
similarly efforts to simplify the institutional arrangements for efficient implementation.
Appropriate hydrologic and geomorphic terminology and the Basin processes are recognized and have been reflected in
the final draft.
Relevance.
Current assessment acknowledged.
Approach
Acknowledging that the UNDP and World Bank interchange the use of executing and implementation agency
relative to their institution. Clarification has been made in this terminology and during the Appraisal phase,
clarifications will be made to all aspects of the institutional arrangements and process. The institutional structure
and responsibilities will be further detailed, to streamline for most effective and efficient implementation
arrangements, for the regional, national and local levels. Though it's not the intention to promote changes in
existing legislation, or propose new legislation, it is however envisioned that through both Component 2 and
Component 3 policy frameworks could be drafted and developed in the future for a more comprehensive basin-wide
management policies and legislation. The Global Water Partnership could be engaged through project
implementation.
Objective.
Review acknowledged.
Background and justification
Recognizing that this Project's objective will be achieved through strengthened regional, national and local capacity. It's the
intent that through the Component 5 activities (where thirty-eight percent of the GEF funds are targeted for community-
based microgrant supported interventions) hope to improve the livelihood of the basin communities, thus making some
effort to reduce poverty while promoting sustainable good management practices. The Beneficiaries section of the Brief
addresses poverty alleviation. Terminology changed to reflect geomorphic processes.
Government Commitment and sustainability
For the sake of clarity, to define the true value of the incremental benefit from this Project, the baseline was defined by a
specific parameter to include just those baseline activities, which contribute directly to the Project; this would then include
the national-level in-kind contribution. Through the SAP and SDAP process, the framework for sustainable economic
development would provide the mechanism to minimize future risks.
Activities
Comment acknowledged.
Project funding
With further definition of the specific project subcomponent/activities, which will be completed during the
Appraisal phase the Project financing and detailed budget, and allocations for each component will be defined.
Replicability
Comment acknowledged, Component 4 activities would provide a forum for the exchange of regional lessons.
Timeframe
It is envisaged that through the SAP and SDAP, which will establish a strategic development framework for the
Basin, there will be opportunities for continued investments in the Basin.
Global environmental benefits and goals of the GEF
Comment acknowledged and the integration of sectoral activities and future policies would develop as part of the
SAP and SDAP. The incremental cost matrix has been modified to reflect the incremental cost assessment.
Rationale for GEF support
Comment acknowledged.
Secondary issues to be addressed
29
Comment acknowledged. The document has been developed to explain in greater detail the benefits of the Project
activities, especially Component 5 activities, to improve rural livelihood.
Additional Comments.
The Team acknowledges that the responses to the comments from the upstream review were satisfactorily
addressed.
RESPONSE TO PRELIMINARY UPSTREAM REVIEWS NO 1 & NO2:
The Project preparation Team is pleased with the two stage STAP review process and the critique of the Project objective
and design. The two upstream STAP reviews provided a fair critique during Project preparation providing the Team an
opportunity to clarify and detail elements of the project design; while the subsequent STAP review provided a final
overview. The Team appreciates the Reviewers comments and the documents were modified to best address the comments.
The following provides a summary of Team's effort to respond and modify the Project document:
1. Overall Impression:
The letters of endorsement are in preparation during the upstream review, and will be included in Annex C. The
project focuses on institutional capacity building confirming that the primary focus of the Project is to strengthen
institutional capacity, not only to reinforce the NBA but also to strengthen the national and local level decision-
making capacity. This strengthened capacity hopes to address concrete efforts in the range of sectors impacting
the Basin and to inevitably achieve local level sustainable livelihood.
2. Relevance and priority:
The Team concurs the GEF Project is timely and urgent.
3. Approach
In concert with the SDAP, the project focuses on strengthening the regional, national and local capacity; the
scrutiny of the array of opportunities is developed during the GEF SAP process. It is envisioned that the
Project's outcome, the SAP, and subsequent funding to implement the SAP and SDAP will be the mechanism
to address the primary sector issues to include but not limited to biodiversity, the agricultural sector, or
urbanization impacts. Options for addressing the range of sectors, land and water tenure agricultural credit
and/or cultivation loans, have a significant role in resource management and are anticipated to be addressed
in the SAP process. Though it is not the intent of the Project, to tackle all the root causes but through the TDA
and SAP process identify the priorities and the mechanism to better address the root causes and sector
issues.
The Team has attempted to clarify the World Bank's and UNDPs "executing arrangements" and implementing
arrangements, and concurs with the Reviewers that the staffing of the PMU will be of the highest caliber,
competitively selected staff to assist in Project implementation.
The Scientific Advisory Committee has a significant role in addition to advising on technical matters during Project
implementation and reporting, but also supporting, at the national level project design as it pertains to Component 5, the
microgrant supported activities, and all aspect of the further project design and preparation elements within the context of
project implementation.
Component 5 the microgrant supported Demonstration Program activities and community-based interventions are based on
the principles of the UNDP Small Grants Programme which has local community based experience to a range of applicants,
and through the public information and outreach program hopes to target those communities and stakeholders within the
immediate context of the project design and project objectives. The UNDP-SGP has been successful in successfully
implementing projects and disbursing funds, which this Project hopes to build-on and replicate.
Though the Project activities are, for all practical means, generally implemented at the national level, though some
regional efforts in strengthening the regional institutional capacity is targeted, so in terms of project activities and
disbursement of funds, the intent of the Project is to systematically address the transboundary issues and concerns in
the Basin.
4. Objectives
The concurrent development of the SDAP with the SAP will help identify the linkages with the national and transboundary
priorities, and not at the expense of national programs, but it is important to note national programs would by their nature
not address the Basin's transboundary issues, and the need for coordinated management of the Basin's land and water
resources. The intent of the project is to strengthen the subsidiarity of basin management, decentralizing from the regional
level, and strengthen at the national and local efforts, in data collection, analysis to help contribute to the regional decision
making process. The Project promotes subsidiarity, informed and strengthened local and national capacity is vital to the
regional success.
5. Background and Justification
The Project provides an overview, through Component 2, the implementation of a public participation program
as a means to engage and involve the local stakeholders and the NGO. Details of the public information,
30
media, and outreach program will be detailed through the appraisal process. As noted above other sector
elements, land and water tenure, urbanization, and other sector issues to be addressed in the SAP SDAP
process.
6. Government Commitment and Sustainability
Reviewer's comments acknowledged and the language in this section was modified to stress the importance
of the government's commitment to sustainability and the political and social risks. The Brief provides a
summary of the Basin's commitment to the Project, SAP and SDAP, and letter of endorsement is further
commitment.
7. Activities:
Through the SAP and SDAP process, the Rain Water Harvesting and other specific interventions could be taken into
consideration.
8.Project Funding:
The Project Brief provides an overview of the Project financing as determined during the preparation process, during the
Appraisal phase the component activities and project budget will be detailed and adjusted accordingly.
9. Replicability
The Team concurs and the Brief modified to noting the Project would benefit from the lessons-learned from
other regional initiatives.
10. Time Frame
The Project is a four-year project.
11. Global Environmental Benefits and goals of the GEF:
The Project benefits are addressed in terms of how they support and achieve the Project objective, though it is the intent
through the strengthening of regional, national, and local institutional capacity anticipating through Component 2
activities those sectoral policies and activities will promote global environmental benefits. Annex A, the
incremental cost matrix was modified to clarify the global benefits, rather than just identifying the mechanisms to
achieve the benefits.
12. Rationale for GEF support:
Within the Project Brief, comments acknowledged
13. Secondary issues to be addressed:
The Team acknowledges the Reviewers comments.
As part of the Component 5 microgrant-supported interventions, Activity 5.6 includes the preparation of the Microgrant
Program Operational Manual, which will include the specifics of the selection criteria and compliance with
environmental and social safeguards. As part of the Project Implementation Plan, the Environmental Management
Framework will identify the framework for compliance with social and environmental safeguards.
14. Additional Comments:
The Team acknowledges that it is crucial that the institutional arrangements are designed with due regard to incentives and
sanctions for the employee. During the Appraisal phase details of the institutional arrangements will be detailed to support
technical integrity and ownership.
31
ANNEX F
Physical and Socioeconomic Country Data
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
Total Area of
Area of Country
As % of Total
As % of Total
Basin Population
Country
(2000) (% of National
I.1.1.1.1.1.1.1
Country
within Basin (km2)
Area of Basin (%)
Country (%)
(Km2)
Population)
Algeria
2 381 740
90 000
4.1
3.8
-
Benin
112 620
46 384
2.1
41.2
2 250 000 (36%)
Burkina
274 000
76 621
3.5
28.0
2 755 000 (23%)
Cameroon
475 440
89 249
4.1
18.9
890 000 (6%)
Chad
1 284 000
20 339
1.0
1.6
700 000 (11%)
Guinea
245 857
96 880
4.5
39.4
2 830 000 (34%)
Ivory Coast
322 462
23 770
1.1
7.4
2 400 000 (16%)
Mali
1 240 190
578 850
26.7
46.7
8 046 826 (37%)
Niger
1 267 000
564 211
26.0
44.5
3 220 000 (30%)
Nigeria
923 768
584 193
26.9
70.4
77 300 000 (61%)
TOTALS
8 527 077
2 170 497
100.0
25.45
100 391 826
GDP Ranking
HDI ranking (out of
Country
Adult Literacy Rate
GDP ($ per capita)
Human Development
(out of 162)
Index (HDI)
162)
Benin
53.6
933
143
0.420
147
Burkina
23.0
965
142
0.320
159
Cameroon
74.8
1,573
127
0.506
125
Chad
41.0
850
148
0.359
155
Guinea
35.0
1,934
118
0.397
150
Ivory Coast
45.7
1,654
124
0.426
144
Mali
39.8
753
153
0.378
153
Niger
15.3
753
154
0.274
161
Nigeria
62.6
853
147
0.455
136
32
Annex G
Preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Reduction in rainfall
Variability of rainfall regime
Global warming related
Basin-wide
Shift in rainfall isohyets
Variability of surface water
climate changes
southwards
resources
`El Nino'/ `La Nina' regional Critical areas:
Decreased availability of
fluctuations
Rainfall 800 mm moved
surface water resources
Human impacts which
southward, slipping into
Decreased availability of
interface with and accentuate Cote d'Ivoire and Benin
surface water runoff
climate change impacts
20-25% loss of rainfall
basin-wide
Decreases in runoff 45-60%
basinwide.
1. Climatic Changes
Absence of alternative
Energy shortages, mainly
Absence of basin-wide
Basin-wide
energy sources
firewood & electricity
energy planning forum to
Electricity crisis and low
Low electrification rates of
optimize energy production
Critical areas:
connection rate within
rural areas;
and use
Bafing basin in Guinea
countries
Economy slow down due to
Lack of financial and human
Middle delta in Mali and
Persistence of energy
lack of energy supply
resources to explore
Niger
outages and related
High prices applied for
alternative energy options
inconvenience for the
electricity connection
and multipurpose
economies
developments
Links to deforestation /
2. Energy Needs
desertification
Low food production and
Inadequate extension &
Huge constraint on the
Basin-wide
occurrence of famine
technical inputs (fertilizer
acquisition of modern
Large-scale, often inefficient and pesticides) in irrigation
technology and extension
Critical areas:
irrigation practices with
sector
services
Office du Niger in Mali
predominance of rice
Undiversified crop
Lack of capacity and
Niger Delta area
Limited capabilities in
production;
financial resources to
comparison with the
Limited understanding of
develop performing
international market
macro-economic policies and
agriculture
Production
their impact on incentive
Lack of policy reform based
3. Agricultural
structures in agriculture
on analysis of macro-
sector
linkages to low agricultural
outputs production
High degradation of
Inappropriate control and
High livestock density
Regional
vegetative cover
management of land pasture
Non integration of farming
Reduced grazing areas and
Increase of erosion and top
and pastoral practices
Critical areas:
increased conflicts over
soil losses resulting from
Inefficient / inappropriate
Fouta Djallon
shared natural resources
overexploitation of natural
policies on transhumance
Magui pond and Bafoulabe
Modification of stream flow
resources
practices
areas in Mali
patterns
Property damage of farming
Niger and Nigeria
exploitation
4. Overgrazing
33
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Increase of endangered
Disappearance of unique
Land use planning not
Basinwide localized
species;
habitats and ecosystems
enforced or absent
Decrease in fisheries
Increase of poaching in
Lack of appropriate policy
Critical areas:
productions
protected areas;
and legislation for
Interior Delta in Mali
Decline in species diversity
Use of indiscriminate fishing
species protection
Guinea
Decrease in numbers of large
techniques (e.g.
Lack of awareness on
mammals with negative
poisons, dynamite,
biodiversity concerns
impact on tourism
small net sizes)
and benefit from
Decrease in forest cover
Construction of
conservation
infrastructure
High reliance on primary
Absence of nursery grounds
natural resources and
and way of passage for
income from agriculture
fisheries at small dams
Increased population
Lack of alternative income
pressure on natural
5. Fisheries Degradation
sources especially in
resources coupled with
resettlement areas
climate change trend
Introduction of exotic
species
Decreasing of
Increased competition on
Poverty stricken population
Basin-wide
vegetation/loss of savanna
arable land leading to the
with an obvious lack of food
and forest cover
extension of bushfire
security
Critical areas:
Energy crisis associated with methods and savanna
High charcoal and fuelwood
Fouta Djallon and upland
tation
competition for fuelwood clearing for agriculture
prices due to increasing
watershed areas of Guinea
and charcoal
Uncontrolled logging for
demand from urban areas Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali,
Large-scale habitat
charcoal and fuel wood
Absence of sound policy for
and Chad
destruction and loss of
production which
re/afforestation
Increasing also in Benin
wildlife, progressive
remains the main energy
6. Defores
degradation of national parks
source
and protected areas
Non-planting or replanting
of degraded areas
Degradation of river
Use of vegetation and large
Manufacture of clay bricks
Basin-wide
ecosystems near town and
quantities of wood
on the banks of the Niger
city populations
Erosion of the river course
River
Critical areas:
Contamination of river-fed
and increasing
Extraction of building sand
Niamey, Niger
fishing supplies near
exploitation of surface
and aggregate
Bamako, Mali
artisanal factories
area
Location of slaughterhouses,
Guinea
Related
Effluent runoff of toxic
brewing, textile, dye and
Many town locations in
chemicals and other by-
soap factories on the banks
Nigeria, especially in Delta
products directly into the
of the River Niger
region
river
Degradation
7. Industrial
34
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Disturbance of natural
New road construction
Development of improved
Basin-wide
drainage patterns
completed without
road transportation links
Localized erosion
appropriate environmental
Increasing demand for
Critical areas:
Disturbance of animal
impact assessment and
navigability on the
Navigation well developed
migration routes
remediation measures
River Niger
within Mali and Nigeria
Deforestation
Navigation on Niger River
Use of transportation
Un- and under-planned new
has limited to no
corridors for commercial
population settlements,
environmental oversight
transactions
with ensuing socio-
economic problems
Increased turbidity on River
Niger
Communications
Pollution from petrol and
8.Transportation and
Related Degradation
diesel-driven engines on
River Niger
Decrease and degradation of Progressive intrusion into
Lack wetlands protection
Basin-wide localized
protected areas / wetland
protected areas for purposes
and management regulation
areas (sedimentation, flood
of agriculture, livestock
Lack of awareness on
Threatened parks and
damage, low water flows
grazing, and cultivation of
wetlands functions,
wetlands:
water weeds infestation,
firewood
value and cultural
Parc National du Haut Niger
agriculture extension)
Deforestation, erosion,
functions
(Guinea)
Decrease in benefits from
sedimentation
Poverty and population
Parc National de la Boucle
functioning wetlands (less
Overuse of natural resources
pressure; shortages of
du Baoule (Mali)
groundwater recharge,
(over-fishing, hunting,
water and land
Parc National du W du Niger
destruction of habitats and
overgrazing, farming
(Niger, Burkina Faso,
loss of biodiversity,
practices)
Benin);
reduction of flood plain area;
Parc National l'Arli (Burkina
reduction in pasture grasses)
Faso, Benin)
Parc National des deux
Balles (Burkina Faso)
Birnin Gwari Reserve
9. Parks / Wetlands Degradation
(Nigeria)
Borgu Game Reserve
(Nigeria)
Loss of agricultural acreage
Denudation and modification Artisanal gold prospecting,
Localized to Upper Basin,
and virgin forest lands
of significant areas of
open-cast mining, quarrying
including the following:
Significant erosion and loss
previously largely,
Construction of Mining
Dinguiraye, Ashanti
of upland watersheds
undisturbed land
camps, access roads, and
Goldfield, AREDOR, and
Land conflicts with shifts in
Significant chemical
associated infrastructure
West Diamonds in Faranah
land ownership /
production as a by -
Uranium mining in Niger
cultivation
product
Also applicable to oil
Origin pollution of cyanide
operations in Nigeria
Degradation
and other extractive
chemicals leaching into
10. Mineral Exploitation
groundwater and subsoil
waters
Increased sediment
Removal of vegetation and
Urban development
Basin-wide
production
groundcover
construction, including
Increased erosion losses
Decreased stability of slopes
construction of residences,
Critical areas:
Deterioration in surface
Increase in human waste at
schools, shopping centers,
Many small towns / urban
water potability
the edge of the River
offices, etc.
areas anchored along the
Increase in waterborne
Niger
Lack of sufficient
length of the River Niger and
Environment
human diseases
Development of bacteria,
wastewater treatment and
its tributaries, as well as
viruses, etc. in the effluent
solid waste treatment
including Bamako and
load
facilities
Niamey
Water Degradation
11. Urban
Contributions to Land and
35
Annex G
Preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Reduction in rainfall
Variability of rainfall regime
Global warming related
Basin-wide
Shift in rainfall isohyets
Variability of surface water
climate changes
southwards
resources
`El Nino'/ `La Nina' regional Critical areas:
Decreased availability of
fluctuations
Rainfall 800 mm moved
surface water resources
Human impacts which
southward, slipping into
Decreased availability of
interface with and accentuate Cote d'Ivoire and Benin
surface water runoff
climate change impacts
20-25% loss of rainfall
basin-wide
Decreases in runoff 45-60%
basinwide.
1. Climatic Changes
Absence of alternative
Energy shortages, mainly
Absence of basin-wide
Basin-wide
energy sources
firewood & electricity
energy planning forum to
Electricity crisis and low
Low electrification rates of
optimize energy production
Critical areas:
connection rate within
rural areas;
and use
Bafing basin in Guinea
countries
Economy slow down due to
Lack of financial and human
Middle delta in Mali and
Persistence of energy
lack of energy supply
resources to explore
Niger
outages and related
High prices applied for
alternative energy options
inconvenience for the
electricity connection
and multipurpose
economies
developments
Links to deforestation /
2. Energy Needs
desertification
Low food production and
Inadequate extension &
Huge constraint on the
Basin-wide
occurrence of famine
technical inputs (fertilizer
acquisition of modern
Large-scale, often inefficient and pesticides) in irrigation
technology and extension
Critical areas:
irrigation practices with
sector
services
Office du Niger in Mali
predominance of rice
Undiversified crop
Lack of capacity and
Niger Delta area
Limited capabilities in
production;
financial resources to
comparison with the
Limited understanding of
develop performing
international market
macro-economic policies and agriculture
Production
3. Agricultural
their impact on incentive
Lack of policy reform based
structures in agriculture
on analysis of macro-
sector
linkages to low agricultural
outputs production
High degradation of
Inappropriate control and
High livestock density
Regional
vegetative cover
management of land pasture
Non integration of farming
Reduced grazing areas and
Increase of erosion and top
and pastoral practices
Critical areas:
increased conflicts over
soil losses resulting
Inefficient / inappropriate
Fouta Djallon
shared natural resources
from overexploitation
policies on
Magui pond and Bafoulabe
Modification of stream flow
of natural resources
transhumance practices
areas in Mali
patterns
Property damage of farming
Niger and Nigeria
exploitation
4. Overgrazing
36
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Increase of endangered
Disappearance of unique
Land use planning not
Basinwide localized
species;
habitats and ecosystems
enforced or absent
Decrease in fisheries
Increase of poaching in
Lack of appropriate policy
Critical areas:
productions
protected areas;
and legislation for species
Interior Delta in Mali
Decline in species diversity
Use of indiscriminate fishing
protection
Guinea
Decrease in numbers of large techniques (e.g. poisons,
Lack of awareness on
mammals with negative
dynamite, small net sizes)
biodiversity concerns and
impact on tourism
Construction of
benefit from conservation
Decrease in forest cover
infrastructure
High reliance on primary
Absence of nursery grounds
natural resources and income
and way of passage for
from agriculture
fisheries at small dams
Increased population
Lack of alternative income
pressure on natural resources
5. Fisheries Degradation
sources especially in
coupled with climate change
resettlement areas
trend
Introduction of exotic
species
Decreasing of
Increased competition on
Poverty stricken population
Basin-wide
vegetation/loss of savanna
arable land leading to the
with an obvious lack of food
and forest cover
extension of bushfire
security
Critical areas:
Energy crisis associated with methods and savanna
High charcoal and fuelwood
Fouta Djallon and upland
competition for fuelwood
clearing for agriculture
prices due to increasing
watershed areas of Guinea
and charcoal
Uncontrolled logging for
demand from urban areas
Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali,
Large-scale habitat
charcoal and fuel wood
Absence of sound policy for
and Chad
destruction and loss of
production which remains
re/afforestation
Increasing also in Benin
6. Deforestation
wildlife, progressive
the main energy source
degradation of national parks Non-planting or replanting
and protected areas
of degraded areas
Degradation of river
Use of vegetation and large
Manufacture of clay bricks
Basin-wide
ecosystems near town and
quantities of wood
on the banks of the Niger
city populations
Erosion of the river course
River
Critical areas:
Contamination of river-fed
and increasing
Extraction of building sand
Niamey, Niger
fishing supplies near
exploitation of surface
and aggregate
Bamako, Mali
artisanal factories
area
Location of slaughterhouses,
Guinea
Related
Effluent runoff of toxic
brewing, textile, dye and
Many town locations in
chemicals and other by-
soap factories on the banks
Nigeria, especially in Delta
products directly into the
of the River Niger
region
river
Degradation
7. Industrial
Disturbance of natural
New road construction
Development of improved
Basin-wide
drainage patterns
completed without
road transportation links
Localized erosion
appropriate environmental
Increasing demand for
Critical areas:
Disturbance of animal
impact assessment and
navigability on the
Navigation well developed
migration routes
remediation measures
River Niger
within Mali and Nigeria
Deforestation
Navigation on Niger River
Use of transportation
Un- and under-planned new
has limited to no
corridors for commercial
population settlements,
environmental oversight
transactions
with ensuing socio-
economic problems
Increased turbidity on River
Niger
Communications
Pollution from petrol and
8.Transportation and
Related Degradation
diesel-driven engines on
River Niger
37
Issues
Symptoms/Impacts
Immediate Causes
Root Causes
Extent
Decrease and degradation of
Progressive intrusion into
Lack wetlands protection
Basin-wide localized
protected areas / wetland
protected areas for purposes
and management regulation
areas (sedimentation, flood
of agriculture, livestock
Lack of awareness on
Threatened parks and
damage, low water flows
grazing, and cultivation of
wetlands functions,
wetlands:
water weeds infestation,
firewood
value and cultural
Parc National du Haut Niger
agriculture extension)
Deforestation, erosion,
functions
(Guinea)
Decrease in benefits from
sedimentation
Poverty and population
Parc National de la Boucle
functioning wetlands (less
Overuse of natural resources
pressure; shortages of
du Baoule (Mali)
groundwater recharge,
(over-fishing, hunting,
water and land
Parc National du W du Niger
destruction of habitats and
overgrazing, farming
(Niger, Burkina Faso,
loss of biodiversity,
practices)
Benin);
reduction of flood plain area;
Parc National l'Arli (Burkina
reduction in pasture grasses)
Faso, Benin)
Parc National des deux
Balles (Burkina Faso)
Birnin Gwari Reserve
9. Parks / Wetlands Degradation
(Nigeria)
Borgu Game Reserve
(Nigeria)
Loss of agricultural acreage
Denudation and modification Artisanal gold prospecting,
Localized to Upper Basin,
and virgin forest lands
of significant areas of
open-cast mining, quarrying
including the following:
on
Significant erosion and loss
previously largely,
Construction of Mining
Dinguiraye, Ashanti
of upland watersheds
undisturbed land
camps, access roads, and
Goldfield, AREDOR, and
Land conflicts with shifts in
Significant chemical
associated infrastructure
West Diamonds in Faranah
land ownership /
production as a by -
Uranium mining in Niger
cultivation
product
Also applicable to oil
Origin pollution of cyanide
operations in Nigeria
Degradation
and other extractive
chemicals leaching into
10. Mineral Exploitati
groundwater and subsoil
waters
Increased sediment
Removal of vegetation and
Urban development
Basin-wide
production
groundcover
construction, including
Increased erosion losses
Decreased stability of slopes
construction of residences,
Critical areas:
Deterioration in surface
Increase in human waste at
schools, shopping centers,
Many small towns / urban
water potability
the edge of the River
offices, etc.
areas anchored along the
Increase in waterborne
Niger
Lack of sufficient
length of the River Niger and
Environment
human diseases
Development of bacteria,
wastewater treatment and
its tributaries, as well as
viruses, etc. in the effluent
solid waste treatment
including Bamako and
load
facilities
Niamey
tributions to Land and
Water Degradation
11. Urban
Con
38
Annex H
Indicative Interventions and Sites for Demonstration Programs
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
Preliminary Priority Themes
Indicative Interventions
Tentative List of Sites
1. Reducing Dependence on
Afforestation of degraded dryland forests.
Lake Lere in Chad.
Wood (and Charcoal) for
Promotion of alternative and/or renewable
Peri-urban areas around
Domestic Energy
energies such as solar, wind, biogas, gas.
Niamey and Bamako.
Awareness raising and education.
A small town in Niger,
Participatory, community approach.
Guinea or Mali.
2: Improving Farming
Awareness raising, education and
Trans boundary site
Techniques and Practices in
enforcement of laws concerning bush fires.
between Niger and Mali
Rain-fed Agriculture
Promotion of environmentally appropriate
in mid-Basin.
techniques for intensive agriculture.
Transboundary site
Rehabilitation of degraded fallow land and
between Guinea and
soil and water conservation.
Mali.
Protection and rehabilitation of river banks.
Site in upper Nigeria.
3: Improving Farming
Baseline surveys and analysis.
Site near Office du Niger
Techniques and Practices in
Improved irrigation techniques.
in Mali.
Irrigated Agriculture
Association of fish culture to irrigation.
Liptako-Gourma.
Rehabilitation of infrastructure and control
of pollution and salination.
4: Reversing Degradation of
Development of modern abattoirs.
Northern Nigeria.
Soils, Pastures and Animal
Identify and improve transport to markets.
Niger.
Health in the Livestock Sector
Community savings and loans to assist in
Benin.
marketing and insurance.
Transboundary site for
Improvement of Animal Health.
corridor establishment
Development of pasture corridors and
between Niger and
access to pastoralists.
Benin, near Park W, for
Provisions of options for pastoralists.
example.
Awareness raising.
5: Promoting Sustainable
Cost and benefit analysis of system.
Several villages in Inner
Fishing and Hunting Practices
Cooperative commercial production of fish. Delta, in Cameroon, and
Awareness raising on appropriate fishing
in Guinea.
practices.
Cooperatives for marketing, purchase of
inputs, etc.
Community participation in control of
aquatic invasive species.
6: Supporting Eco-tourism and
Infrastructure investments for tourism.
Sites near existing
Environmental Protection
Promotion of eco-tourism and private
national parks.
sector involvement.
Promotional materials on Wonders of the
Niger River.
7: Improving Water Quality by
Baseline Analysis.
Upland watersheds in
Combating Industrial, Urban
Recycling of industrial waste.
Guinean highlands.
and Mining Pollution
Water purification stations.
Upstream sites from
Abattoir waste recycling.
Niamey and Bamako.
Education and awareness raising.
39
Annex I
The Niger Basin Authority
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
The Niger basin Authority is one of the oldest intergovernmental organizations and its creation dates back to 1964
when it was call the River Niger Commission. The River Niger Commission functioned for seventeen years and the
result achieve were deemed insufficient. Consequently, the member states decided to replace it with a new
organization the Niger Basin Authority that became heir to all the assists, liabilities and programs initiated by the
River Niger Commission. The long goal of the NBA is to "promote co-operation among the member countries and
to ensure integrated development in all fields through development of its resources, notably in the fields of energy,
water resources, agriculture, forestry, transport and communication and industry". Specifically the aim and
objectives of the NBA is:
?? Harmonize and coordinate national policies for development of the resources in the Basin;
?? Plan the development of the Basin by preparing and executing an "Integrated
Development Plan of the Basin4"; and
?? Design, realize, exploit and maintain common works and projects.
The present structure of the NBA is based on four organs:
?? The Summit of Heads of State and Government;
?? The Council of Ministers;
?? The Technical Committee of Experts; and
?? The Executive Secretariat.
The Departments of the Executive Secretariat are:
?? The Directorate of Planning and Project Execution;
?? The Directorate of Documentation and Information; and
?? The Directorate of Administration and Finance.
The NBA is financially supported by is member states. Each year a balanced income and expenditure
budget is prepared based on a sharing formula determined by its member states. Foreign assistance to the
NBA is received from external donors. After its formation November 1, 1980 by the constitutive act at the
Summit of Heads of State and Government, the NBA had gone through some difficult periods. Following
an institutional crisis between 1983 and 1986, the NBA was restructured but the organization was still
hampered by financial difficulties between 1988 and 1992. The unfortunate demise of successive
Executive Secretaries delayed progress thereafter.
In 1998, the NBA launched a new effort at the 17th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers. It was
realized and acknowledged the real dangers threatening the Niger River, and the importance of member
states paying their contributions to the NBA. Total annual contributions of all nine member states have
been set as CFA 350 937 436 ($536 000) with the following shares: Benin (5%), Burkina (4%),
Cameroon (7%), Cote d'Ivoire (5%), Guinea (10%), Mali (20%), Niger (18%), Nigeria (30%), Chad (1%).
Member states are satisfied with this formula, but arrears are still very high relative to the annual total ($1
650 000 in September 2001), with only contributions from Benin and Nigeria being fully paid up.
Nevertheless, the countries are committed, through their participation in the NBA, to involve the
appropriate ministries and government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to fulfill the mandate
of the NBA and successfully implement the proposed GEF Project.
4 This will be in the context of the Strategic Action Programme prepared as part of the GEF Project.
40
There are several NGOs in the Basin that are active in monitoring and research, policy, habitat
conservation, institutional strengthening, public awareness and education programs dealing with critical
environmental problems in the Basin. This commitment to stakeholder participation will also strengthen
the engagement of key ministries with the process and thus help ensure country commitment to
implementation. Despite the urgent need to co-ordinate at regional level, national co-ordination between
lead agencies involved in water and environment needs to be strengthened and for a clearer separation of
policy and operational (user) functions to emerge.
This institutional setting at national level is reflected in the NBA structure where cross-sectoral co-
ordination and multi-disciplinary collaboration is not yet fully effective, although progress in moving
away from a purely water resource and River channel orientated approach has been made. While the NBA
has the mandate to convene all relevant agencies and institutions, in practice this has been difficult to
effect since governments' professional resources are severely stretched.
41
Annex J
Institutional Arrangements
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
REGIONAL LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION
: NRB-PTF. In assisting in the facilitation of Project's implementation the Niger River Basin Project Task
Force (NRB-PTF), will serve as a steering committee in an advisor capacity for project implementation
activities. Proposed Task Force members would include the NBA Executive Secretariat as the Chair, high
level government representatives from participating countries, the Executing Agency, any other (major)
donors to the Project. The UNDP, WB will participate in an observer status. The finalized list of Task
Force members will be completed during appraisal. The entire NRB-PTF will meet at minimum annually
to review the project implementation progress. Key members will meet as needed for activity specific
guidance and review and will:
- Align the Project with other Basin-wide initiatives;
- Monitor Project progress and take timely actions to resolve implementation constraints;
- Liaise with different national Proje ct coordination units within the riparian countries to ensure
that the national units and the PMU act in harmony;
- Receive and review annual substantive and financial reports on project activities;
- Review and approve annual work plans; and
- Ensure monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
: Executing Agency: Given the NBA's mandate "to promote cooperation among the member countries
and to ensure integrated development in all fields", it will undertake a more facilitative role during this
Full Project rather than serve as a traditional executing agency. The NBA Executive Secretariat will be
the lead counterpart agency on behalf of the member states that will host the implementation of this
Project. It is a prominent regional organization with many decades of experience and strong will to
develop a shared vision and common future for the Basin. The respective UNDP, World Bank, and
Executing Agency task team leaders will be in direct and ongoing contact to facilitate the work of the
project and to ensure maximum levels of co-operation to bring about project success. In implementing
this project, NBA will ensure close coordination and harmonization with other ongoing Basin projects,
especially ensuring information exchange and coordination within the context of the SDAP development
activities.
: PMU. A PMU will be established to work closely with the NBA Executive Secretariat and Executing
Agency. Co-located at the NBA, the PMU will work closely with regional institutions and National
Project Coordination Units (NPCU). In establishing, the Project Management/administrative Unit (PMU)
within the NBA will strengthen the NBA's Project management capacity, so that in due course the NBA
can execute a broader portfolio of regional environmental interventions. The PMU will have employ
Project staff, and rely upon specific inputs from consultants as needed. The mix of expertise could
include, for example, Regional Project Coordinator, Financial Procurement Specialist, Land and Water
Expert, Microgrant Specialist, Data Management Specialist, Participation and Communication Specialist,
but will be determined prior to Project finalization during the Appraisal phase
The PMU will be primarily responsible for implementation, which will include reporting on Project
progress and impact, identifying implementation gaps and bottlenecks, providing technical support, and
managing Project accounts and budget.
42
The PMU will be responsible for reporting using accepted standard procedures. The components and
emerging issues will be reviewed regularly, and evaluated annually, by the NRB-Project Task Force
(NRB-PTF). It is anticipated that the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) will assure the scientific
quality and standard of project implementation and reporting. The PMU will follow a reporting schedule
documenting the project's progress, and prepare:
- Monthly progress reports outlining the work accomplished, work to be completed, with
comments, and recommendations regarding the project's progress.
- Semi-Annual Project Completion Progress Reports reflecting implementation status and
progress, extent to which objectives have been achieved, current costs, budgetary issues, and
procurement and disbursement progress.
- Annual Progress Reports, which will assess progress against the established, work plan and
the project's development objectives.
Accounting, financial and auditing arrangements will be finalized during pre-appraisal, and will include:
- Assessment of the financial management system with timetable for any improvements
required;
- Agreement with Project on financial and accounting standards;
- Audit arrangements: Independent audits will be undertaken on an annual basis; and
- Disbursement arrangements: To be determined in accordance with best practice.
- Procurement Plan based on traditional disbursement procedures.
SAC. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) composed of technical specialists, institutional specialists,
and other relevant experts who will assure the scientific quality and standard of proje ct implementation
and reporting. The SAC has a significant role in addition to advising on technical matters during Project
implementation and reporting, and to support at the national and local levels as it pertains to Component 5,
the microgrant-supported activity design, and implementation. The SAC will be regularly to assist in their
technical capacity. The composition of the SAC and their responsibilities will be detailed during the
Appraisal phase.
NBA Council of Ministers. The NBA Council of Ministers will provide guidance for issues related to the
River Basin, approve strategic actions by supporting the NRB-PTF, and discuss when needed specific
issues pertaining to Basin management. The NBA Council of Minister's members are representatives from
the water resources and related ministries. The NBA Council of Ministers reports to the Heads of State in
each country.
Collaborating Agency. The Project will be executed by an executing agency, on behalf of the NBA
Executive Secretariat who will be responsible for supporting NBA Executive Secretariat in ensuring that
the regional, national and local priorities agreed by the riparian states are substantively and coherently
addressed through effective implementing the Project activities to achieve the Project's objectives. The
final determination of the Executing Agency will occur during the Appraisal phase. As with defining the
Executing Agency the institutional and implementation arrangements, and the Terms of References for the
institutional responsibilities will be completed during the Appraisal phase.
: Implementing Agencies. Joint implementation by UNDP and the World Bank harnesses each agency's
comparative advantage for the benefit of the basin countries. As has been the experience in other, GEF
international waters projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably in Lake Chad, Nile, and Senegal. UNDP
brings its on-the-ground presence, close partnership with governments, capacity building experience and
working with community-based organizations through the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP). The
Bank brings in-depth technical analysis, convening power and access to the international financial
markets. In addition, both organizations have ongoing programs and projects in the region, which form
43
the baseline for the GEF project. Their joint involvement will facilitate closer coordination with these
ongoing activities, especially the broader shared vision work supported by the Bank.
UNDP and the World Bank are the co-implementing agencies for this Project. The UNDP role will be to
contribute its on-the-ground strength and resulting trust it builds with national governments, directly
facilitate workshops and the convening of key stakeholders consistent with its comparative advantage in
capacity building, work to secure national country-based financial resources to complement Project
activities, and provide important links to other UN Agencies.
The following documents will be prepared as part of UNDP's monitoring and evaluation process:
- Project Performance and Evaluation Review (PPER)
- Tri-Partite Review /Evaluation (TPR)
- An external Evaluation and Final Report before the project's termination
- Annual Project Implementation Review (PIR) of the GEF
The following documents will be prepared as part of the World Bank's reporting process:
- Project Supervision Reports
- Project progress reports
- Mid-Term Review (MTR)
- Implementation Completion Report (ICR)
NATIONAL LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION
NPCU. The Project will support the establishment of the National Project Coordinating Units (NPCU).
The NPCU's will be established in each countries building on appropriate existing institutions or
establishing new ones as needed. The NPCU will work closely with the PMU and NBA, and will be
responsible for implementing the Project at the national level. A National Coordinator (NC) will work
closely with the NPCU staff in implementing the Project at the national level. The NPCU provides a
critical link between the PMU, other Project resource-persons and the various national specialists,
technical services, and organizations involved in implementing the various project components within the
respective countries.
NBA-NFPC. The NBA National Focal Point Committees (NBA-NFPC) already established in each
country will act in an advisory capacity for Project implementation at the national level, will provide
technical advise, and assist in facilitating as needed. The NBA-NFPC will coordinate with the NPCU and
the NBA-PMU during Project implementation. The specific Project-level responsibilities will be detailed
in during the Appraisal phase.
LOCAL LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION
Local community-based implementation units. Following the principle of subsidiarity, community-based
organisations would be involved in the decision-making and implementation process, and in tackling the
Basin's priority issues. At the local level, working closely with the NPCU and the Local Coordinating
Committees, these local community-based implementation units, generally consisting of NGOs
community-based organizations, will be key in engaging and educating the local community on the
specifics of local level component activities, the demonstration program, and helping to implement the
microgrant supported interventions. They will work with local author ities and Local Coordinating
Committee in developing the site-specific demonstration activities. The collaborative effort of the local
institutions (both public and civil) is vital for the program success. It will provide opportunities for
44
communities to communicate amongst themselves and with local government, and be responsible for
assisting in the implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the demonstration programs.
Local Coordination Committees. The Local Coordination Committees will serve in an advisory capacity
for Project implementation. The LCCs will coordinate with the NPCU, NBA-NFPC, and the PMU during
Project implementation
45
Implementation Process Implementation Process Implementation Process
Table 1: Basic Organogram for the Project's Consultative, Advisory and Implementation Process
Implementation Process
Advisory Process
Local community-based implementation units
Local
Consultative Support Process
Coordination
Benin, Burkino Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea,
Post-Project sustainable
Committees
Mali, Níger, Nigeria, Chad
institutions
NBA National Focal
National Project Coordination Units (NPCU)
Point Committees
(NBA-NFPC)
Benin, Burkino Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire,
Functions
Guinea, Mali, Níger, Nigeria, Chad
Project Management Unit
1) Administrative
(PMU co-located at
& Financial
2) Monitoring and
NBA Secretariat)
Evaluation
3) Yearly
Reporting Review
Scientific
NBA
Advisory
Executive
Collaborating Agency
Committee
Secretariat
(SAC)
Niger River Basin
NBA
Task Force
Council of
Implementing Agencies
(NRB-PTF)
Ministers
(UNDP & WB)
1
Annex K
Map
Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger River Basin
2