Niger Basin Authority facts for kids
The Niger Basin Authority (also known as NBA or ABN) is a special group of countries in West Africa. These countries work together to manage and use the natural resources found in the area around the Niger River. This includes the river itself and the land it flows through.
How the NBA Started
The Niger Basin Authority was first created in 1964. Back then, it was called the River Niger Commission. It was inspired by a similar organization in the United States called the Tennessee Valley Authority. Later, on November 21, 1980, the group was restarted and given its current name, the Niger Basin Authority.
What the NBA Does
The main goal of the Niger Basin Authority is to help its member countries cooperate. They want to make sure the resources in the Niger River area are developed in a way that benefits everyone.
- Managing Water: A big part of their work is managing the water from the Niger River. This includes using the water for things like making electricity (hydroelectric power).
- Developing Resources: Beyond water, the NBA helps countries work together on developing other important resources. This includes energy, farming, forests, transportation, communication, and industries.
- Protecting the Environment: Over time, the NBA has also focused on protecting the environment. They work to fight problems like desertification (when land turns into desert), deforestation (cutting down too many trees), and pollution from farms and factories.
- Planning for the Future: The NBA helps create plans for the entire river basin. These plans often involve projects that cross borders between different countries. However, the NBA does not have direct power over the countries. Each country must agree to and carry out the rules and plans themselves.
Who is in the NBA?
Nine countries are members of the Niger Basin Authority. All these countries have some of their land within the Niger River Basin. They are:
Even though a small part of Algeria is in the Niger Basin, it is not a member of the NBA. The main office of the NBA is in Niamey, which is the capital city of Niger. The organization works in both French and English.
Meetings and Projects
Leaders and representatives from the member countries meet regularly. They discuss plans and projects for the Niger River Basin. These meetings happen every year at the headquarters in Niamey, or in other member countries.
Sometimes, the heads of state (like presidents) from the NBA countries also meet with international partners. For example, in April 2008, a big meeting took place in Niamey. At this meeting, they agreed on several important things:
- A long-term plan for investments in the Niger River Basin from 2008 to 2027.
- A "Water Charter" for the Niger River Basin, which is like a set of rules for how water should be used.
- Plans to speed up important dam projects, like the Taoussa Dam in Mali and the Kandadji Dam in Niger.
The NBA gets money from its member countries and from international groups that want to help. They also work with other organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Wetlands International on different projects.
See also
- Azawagh
