The project aims to enhance the sustainable management of inland fisheries in the Sahel, focusing on Lake Chad and the Inner Niger River Delta. It seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current state of fisheries, including stock levels, ecosystem health, habitat conditions, and socio-economic dependencies. A key component of this work is evaluating the methods that have been used for stock assessments to date, assessing their accuracy, effectiveness, and limitations. By identifying key threats such as overfishing, declining water resources, and environmental degradation, the project will provide a solid foundation for prioritizing investments and interventions. The assessment will help determine where resources can be most effectively allocated to support sustainable fisheries management, improve livelihoods, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Ultimately, the goal is to inform decision-making processes that balance economic opportunities with long-term sustainability, ensuring the viability of these critical fisheries for future generations.

      I.          Background and Objectives

Lake Chad and the Inner Niger River Delta are critical ecosystems supporting millions of people across West Africa. Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% since 1963 due to declining rainfall and climate change, severely impacting regional fisheries, food security, and local livelihoods. Similarly, Mali's Inner Niger River Delta, the largest wetland in West Africa, sustains nearly one million people, with its fishing sector directly or indirectly employing a third of the population. However, both regions face growing challenges, including overfishing, reduced water flows, and socio-economic tensions, exacerbated by climate change. These pressures demand urgent interventions to protect vital fisheries and strengthen community resilience.

The purpose of this assignment is to provide a comprehensive assessment of fisheries in the Inner Niger Delta and Lake Chad to support sustainable management and livelihoods. Tasks include developing baseline studies (“fisheries profiles”), threat assessment mapping, and results briefs.

     II.          Scope of Work

Inner Niger Delta, Mali

1. Fisheries Profile:
2. • Conduct a comprehensive desktop review of current fishing practices, production levels, structure of the sector and its challenges, types of fishing gear and methods used, the species targeted, and the seasonal variations in fishing activities.
   • Conduct a review on socio-economic and gender dynamic in the fisheries.
   • Assess data on overfishing, habitat degradation on key species, evaluate climate change impacts and fisheries management structures.
   • Evaluation of the methods that have been used for stock assessments to date, assessing their accuracy, effectiveness, and limitations.
   • Use, if possible, innovative methods such as example satellite imaging and GIS to analyze water levels, habitat changes, and environmental degradation and visualize overfished areas, habitat destruction, and conservation priorities.
   • Provide a holistic understanding of the sector to inform sustainable management strategies

1. Basin Threat Assessment Mapping:
2. • Mapping of key threats affecting fisheries, including overfishing, reduced water flow, and habitat destruction. This should include identification of some priority intervention areas for NBS, landscape restoration, and conservation to support fisheries.
3. Results Brief:
4. • Develop a concise brochure summarizing findings, highlighting key challenges, high-risk areas, and recommended actions.
   • Emphasize actionable priorities for sustainable fisheries management with gender-sensitive insights.

Lake Chad (Niger and Chad)

1. Fisheries Profile:
2. • Conduct a comprehensive desktop review of current fishing practices, production levels, structure of the sector and its challenges, types of fishing gear and methods used, the species targeted, and the seasonal variations in fishing activities.
   • Conduct a review on socio-economic and gender dynamic in the fisheries.
   • Assess data on overfishing, habitat degradation on key species, evaluate climate change impacts and fisheries management structures.
   • Assess FCV dynamics affecting operations and supply chains for fisheries.
   • Use, if possible, methods such as example satellite imaging and GIS to analyze water levels, habitat changes, and environmental degradation and visualize overfished areas, habitat destruction, and conservation priorities.
   • Evaluation of the methods that have been used for stock assessments to date, assessing their accuracy, effectiveness, and limitations.
   • Provide a holistic understanding of the sector to inform sustainable management strategies
3. Results Brief:
4. • Develop a concise brochure summarizing findings, highlighting key challenges, high-risk areas, and recommended actions.
   • Emphasize actionable priorities for sustainable fisheries management with gender-sensitive insights.