Geodata Study – Niger River Basin RVO Niger Geodata The study explores the commercialization of (SATH) data of a key regional socioeconomic institution in the Sahel; the Niger Basin Authority (NBA).

The Autorité  de Bassin du Niger/ Niger Basin Authority (ABN/NBA) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation between member states (**Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria**.) and contributes to the improvement of the living conditions of the people in the basin through the sustainable management of water resources and associated ecosystems. ABN developed models based on hydro-climatic data to predict floods and drought in the Niger Basin funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS) : the SATH model.

RVO, NSO and Invest international, together with the embassy and the ABN have tasked Akvo and its partners to explore commercializing NBA’s SATH data to ensure sustainable operations. This exploration will give perspective to ABN beyond the termination of the SATH program. A thorough analysis of the adverse consequences of making data commercially or open source available is necessary as it might crowd out sectors or players.

In addition, this study aims to assess whether (youth) employment can be fostered through geodata in general and hydro-climatic data in particular and will aim to identify suggestions and recommendations regarding youth employment. ++**Background Niger River**++

The Niger River is the 3rd longest river in Africa and flows through 9 countries and 4 climatic zones. The river is both a source of life and livelihood as well as a threat; The countries and populations in the Sahel are dependent on (rainfed) agriculture and face limited diversification. This makes institutions and societies vulnerable to weather variability and the river. Various droughts and (hydrological and flash) floods have occurred over the last decades. This had negative consequences, such as uncontrolled urbanization in response to droughts as well as degradation, desertification, reduced water absorption capacity, reduced infiltration capacity and land salinization. In turn, this further increases flood risk.

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++**Background NBA**++

The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) was established in 1964 as an inter-governmental authority of the riparian countries of the Niger River. The organizations addresses the opportunities and challenges deriving from the river and promotes cooperation among member countries to ensure the integrated development of the resources, it aims to contribute to the living conditions of the population in the basin through sustainable management of water resources and associated ecosystems. Its objectives are to:

- Harmonize and coordinate the development of national policies on development of water resources in the basin;
- Participate in development planning by establishing and implementing a basin-wide integrated development plan;
- Promote and participate in the design and implementation of joint works and projects;
- Ensure the control and regulation of all forms of navigation on the river, its tributaries and sub-tributaries;
- Participate in the formulation of requests for assistance and mobilization of resources for studies and works necessary to develop the basin. The study’s main purpose is _to explore the commercialization of (SATH) data to ensure sustainable operations of a key regional socio-economic institution in the Sahel: the Niger Basin Authority (NBA)._

The study will give perspective to the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) beyond the termination of the SATH program. Creative solutions and business models will be explored and the adverse effects of commercialization will be analyzed. In addition, the study will assess whether youth employment can be fostered through geodata.