Project overview

The Hydrological Satellite project (SATH) is an initiative of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) to build a satellite-based system for collecting hydrological, meteorological and agricultural data across the Niger River Basin. By combining satellite observations with the basin's ground-based networks, the project improves knowledge of water resources, guides the prevention of disaster risks linked to floods and droughts, supports food security and helps protect the environment and ecosystems of the basin. It was developed by the NBA in collaboration with eLEAF and IHE Delft in the Netherlands, and is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the Dutch agency Invest International, and the Niger Basin Authority.

Objectives

The overall objective is to support the NBA in collecting hydroclimatic data, building capacity and establishing a satellite-based system for monitoring water resources and forecasting flows in the Niger River basin. It is pursued through four specific objectives:

• establish a system for monitoring water resources and forecasting flows using satellite imagery in the Niger Basin;
• strengthen the hydrometeorological observation networks and the technical and institutional capacities of the NBA;
• disseminate relevant information across the basin, accessible to all categories of users;
• promote the use of satellite data in monitoring water resources and preventing disasters.

How the project is organised

The project's activities are delivered through four complementary components:

• 1

  Monitoring system

  Development and implementation of the satellite-based water resources monitoring system, with technical training for NBA and member-state experts.

• 2

  Operationalisation

  Modernising equipment and operationalising the system for effective hydrological monitoring of the Niger and its tributaries, ensuring its sustainability.

• 3

  Information products

  Development and dissemination of hydroclimatic information products and risk maps for decision-making, with alerts shared through national services and the media.

• 4

  Coordination

  Project coordination, management, financial management and monitoring and evaluation.

Project phases

The project is implemented in three phases:

• 2011
  Development
  Preparation of the project document.
  Completed
• 2012–2019
  Implementation
  The monitoring and forecasting system was built, delivered and made operational.
  Completed
• 2020–present
  Operation & maintenance
  Consolidating the achievements and supporting the NBA over five years.
  In progress

Financing

Across its three phases the project represents total donor funding of approximately €2.824 million, complemented by around €4.897 million in further contributions – chiefly NBA in-kind services and an additional €1 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the ClimDev Fund.

Regional CoordinatorMr Bachir Alkali Tanimoun