Identifying anthropogenic ‘hotspots’ and management of water resources in Lake Chad Basin using GIS

In order to understand the relationship between population pressure on water resources, and changes in vegetation cover within the Lake Chad Basin (LCB), this paper analyzed demographic and biomass burning footprint using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. An overlay analysis identified anthropogenic hotspots that are likely to define the modification of the LCB in the future. Analysis of anthropogenic dynamics suggests that with a projected population of 51 million in 2015 rising to about 80 million by 2030, the Lake Chad (LC) watershed will be significantly impacted. The spatial characteristic of the anthropogenic footprint shows that sustaining water services will continue to be a problem. The anthropogenic hotspot map generated is thus a useful tool for policy makers to target areas of rapid change with the greatest impact on the size of LC. The proposed inter-basin water transfer will require the most comprehensive urgent policy responses.