Launched in May 2023, the REGIRE Lake Togo project is the result of a feasibility study conducted by GRET and the Togolese Water Resources Directorate to characterise the main issues around water resources in the Lake Togo watershed.

In a context where water resources in the watershed are under strong pressure due to demographic growth and concentration, a wide range of uses, and climate change impacts, the project teams intend to make integrated water resources management (IWRM) operational at local level (in the municipality), taking a top-down, territorial, inclusive approach.

The project will be rolled out from 2023 to 2026. It will roll out a pilot phase in the three municipalities of Haho 1, Kpélé 1 and Zio 2. Ultimately, this project, conducted by GRET and the DRE, will make it possible to implement local water management bodies, draw up local water management plans, contribute to improving public policies and action on IWRM in Togo, and to creating local accountability mechanisms.

Participative action-research

In order to foster knowledge production and capitalise on local IWRM in Togo, GRET chose an action-research format to implement the project. Research hypotheses were defined to provide answers to the questions identified during the feasibility study and project preparation phase.

This action-research will make it possible to fine-tune operational actions while the latter will in turn enable research hypotheses to be informed and consolidated.

Key project figures

• 1 watershed: the Lake Togo watershed.
• 3 municipalities: Haho 1, Kpélé 1, Zio 2.
• 269,397 beneficiaries.
• 3 years (2023-2026) of implementation.

Project objectives

• Start locally rooted integrated water resources management in three pilot municipalities around Lake Togo.
• Create three local water management bodies, draw up three plans for development and management of water, and create three mechanisms to ensure accountability.
• Facilitate the improvement of public policies and action on IWRM in Togo.
• Capitalise and share research results, contribute to monitoring of water resources.

Expected results

• Locally-rooted governance systems are implemented and supported in the three pilot municipalities.
• Access to water services is improved with a view to equity, and water resources are better conserved.
• The DRE’s capacities are strengthened and contribute to improving the implementation of public policies on IWRM.