The Impediments and Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Water Management in Borno State, Nigeria

In Borno State, Nigeria, and much of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Sudano-Sahel region, groundwater is crucial for the development of both urban and rural areas. More than half of the states population depends directly on this resource for daily water needs. This study aims to develop a local, sustainable water management framework, based on the opinions of primary local stakeholders, to address water management challenges in Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. To achieve this, a stakeholder analysis methodology was employed, and relevant stakeholders in Borno State were engaged through Focus Group Discussions and Interviews to provide the necessary solutions. The main challenges to sustainable water management in the state include limited technical and human resources, insufficient investment, and funding shortages. Additional issues include a lack of stakeholder participation in groundwater management and the fragmentation of national institutions responsible for water oversight. The results from the interviews and focus groups show that educating citizens to raise awareness about the benefits of safe, clean water and environmental protection is crucial. The current legislative framework is not producing sustainable results in water management. Some problems in achieving sustainable water management stem from the peoples ethics, beliefs, and cultural norms regarding water issues in the state. Additionally, institutional stakeholders noted that the states current top-down governance structure is a significant obstacle, often leading to inconsistencies in government policy implementation. University stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger connections between various national and regional institutions. Overall, the stakeholders suggested five key strategies to address the problem. The findings of this study will be vital for achieving sustainable water management in Borno State, and the lessons learned can be applied to other states. The recommendations can be implemented by water managers and may support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in the state.