South Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP)

Project Overview

The South Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) is a flagship initiative of the Chad Basin Development Authority, established to address the recurring drought cycles in the Lake Chad region. Launched in 1974 following successful pilot studies, its primary purpose is to harness water resources for large-scale irrigation, aiming to boost food security and economic stability. The project includes extensive infrastructure such as pump stations, canals, and a power generation station to lift and distribute water across vast agricultural fields.

Problem Statement

The project was initiated to combat the severe drought and famine experienced in the northern parts of Nigeria, particularly in the 1960s, which devastated local agriculture. The receding Lake Chad and lack of reliable irrigation systems posed significant challenges to food production and livelihoods in the region.

Approach Summary

The project employs a comprehensive approach involving the construction of major pump stations, a 39km intake channel, and a 1,411km network of irrigation canals and drains. It utilizes high-capacity pumps to lift water from Lake Chad and distributes it across irrigable land, supported by a 30MW diesel-powered generation station.

Context/Background

The project's origins trace back to the early 1960s when drought prompted studies by the Northern Region Government and the Commonwealth Development Commission. Following a severe famine in the late 1960s, the Federal Military Government, in collaboration with FAO, CDC, and LCBC, established the South Chad Irrigation Pilot Project, leading to the creation of CBDA and the full-scale SCIP.

Scope Details

The project covers a potential irrigable area of 67,000 hectares, divided into three stages (22,000ha in Stage I, 27,000ha in Stage II, and 18,000ha in Stage III). It targets farming communities in Borno State, with infrastructure development focused around Kirenowa, Gadadai, and other key sites.

Strategic Alignment

SCIP aligns with CBDA's mandate to develop water resources for irrigation, flood control, and watershed management, as outlined in the River Basins Development Authorities Act 1987.

Key Challenges

The project faces significant obstacles, including the high cost of diesel for the power station, heavy clay soil requiring specialized machinery, and security issues due to insurgency affecting operations.