Hydrology Sector of Senegal: Overview and Challenges

Hydrology Sector of Senegal: Overview and Challenges

This structured document provides a comprehensive overview of Senegal's hydrology sector, addressing its resources, challenges, and future outlook.

Abstract

Senegal's hydrology sector faces significant challenges despite its abundant water resources. This document provides an overview of Senegal's water resources, climatic and hydrological characteristics, water usage, and key challenges. It also discusses management strategies and future outlook to ensure sustainable water management in the country.

Introduction

Senegal, with its diverse climatic zones and significant water resources, faces complex hydrological challenges. This report delves into the country's hydrological features, current water availability, and usage, highlighting the critical issues and strategic responses to ensure water security.

Developed Sections

Water Resources

Senegal's water resources include major river systems, smaller river basins, and natural lakes:

• Senegal River: Shared with Mauritania and Mali, crucial for the country

• Gambia River: Shared with Guinea and The Gambia

• Other basins: Ferlo Valley, Sine, Saloum, Lake Tamna, and Lake Guiers

Climatic and Hydrological Characteristics

Senegal's climate influences its hydrology, divided into four Agro-Ecological Zones:

• North: Arid (Sahel zone)

• South: Higher precipitation

• Zones: Arid/Sahel, Semi-arid/Sudan Savannah, Northern Guinea Savannah, Southern Guinea Savannah

• River Regime: Short high-water periods in rainy season, longer low-water periods in dry season

Water Availability and Usage

• Renewable Water Resources: 38.8 km³/year

• Withdrawals: 2.01 km³/year (5% of resources)

• Sectoral Use: Agriculture (92%), Domestic (4.4%), Industry (2.6%)[4].

• Per Capita Availability: Dropped from 6,623 m³/year (1980) to 3,665 m³/year (2005)[4].

Key Challenges

• Water Stress: Below FAO's threshold of 1,700 m³/capita/year

• Regional Variability: Acute in Greater Dakar area

• Water Quality: Salinization, nitrate pollution, eutrophication

• Groundwater Depletion: Overexploitation around Dakar

• Climate Change: Increased flooding frequency and intensity

• Transboundary Management: Requires international cooperation

Conclusion and Outcome Opportunities

Senegal's hydrology sector, with its rich water resources, faces significant challenges from water stress, regional variability, quality degradation, and climate change. Strategic management, international cooperation, and sustainable practices are essential for ensuring water security and meeting future demands. Opportunities lie in enhancing water use efficiency, protecting water quality, and building resilience against climate impacts.

References:

1. mdpi.com - Water

2. rvo.nl - Energy sector Senegal

3. worldbank.org - Report

4. mediamanager.sei.org - Water and Poverty

5. pik-potsdam.de - Climate Resilience