Water Conflict Management Program — Benin

Water-related conflicts are intensifying in Benin. Particularly in the northern regions of the country, competition over water resources between farmers and pastoralists is increasingly leading to tensions and disputes. The lack of economic opportunities and prospects in these areas is being exploited by jihadist terrorist groups.

At the same time, climate change is exacerbating droughts, floods, and storms, while water demand from agriculture, industry, and a rapidly growing population continues to rise. The project supports the Government of Benin in its efforts to improve the management of water resources. On the one hand, it aims to protect the scarce and vital resource of water through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

On the other hand, it seeks to strengthen the resilience of local populations and reduce resource-use conflicts, thereby contributing to greater social cohesion. Key partners include the Beninese Ministries responsible for Water and Environment, local water committees, and non-governmental organisations. With a particular focus on northern Benin, the project implements local measures for water resource protection, including the establishment of water protection zones and natural reservoirs.

Local water committees contribute to a fairer and more sustainable allocation of water resources, particularly benefiting poorer households. In cooperation with the responsible ministries, the project also introduces mechanisms to regulate water abstraction tariffs, thereby creating sustainable financing structures for future water management measures. In addition, the project strengthens a digital water information system that improves coordination among stakeholders and provides reliable data for evidence-based decision-making.

Through these interventions, the project contributes both to the protection of water resources in Benin and to the prevention and mitigation of water-related conflicts.