| Summary: | The Republic of Guinea has a rich and diversified hydrological potential. Several rivers in the sub region have their source. The hydrographic network comprises 1161 rivers, grouped into 23 watersheds. The country has 14 international rivers, including the Niger River, whose basin is shared by nine countries.
Unfortunately, water resources are now threatened by anthropogenic activities of diverse origins (extensive agriculture, open-pit mining, illegal fishing, bush fires, making cooked bricks along streams, etc.) and the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, the institutional and legal aspects are not conducive to the sustainable management of water resources.
The impact of water shortage will be felt on all socio-economic activities. The agriculture sector is the main user of water in the country, droughts and recurrent floods have led to a decline in cereal food supplies. The country has a high hydroelectric potential (6,000 MW), unfortunately, only 6% of its potential is used. In order to meet its international commitments to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, by 2030, the country will have to quintuple its hydroelectric production, which constitutes clean energy. The drinking water supply sector remains confronted with the low capacity of production and treatment of water.
The management of water resources in the country is based on general plans for water development elaborated between 1978 and 1982. However, the country seeks to have a national policy for integrated water resources management and development of an action plan focusing on taking into account cooperation on shared watersheds.
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