Application of Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP): A Model to Assess Future Water Demands in the Niger River (In Niger Republic)

Water resources management in Niger River basin is an issue of very high significance because of great socio-cultural, ecological and economic values. The basin comprises biospheres reserves, parks with a variety of wildlife, a significant livestock activity, a very fertile land for agriculture and a growing industry. In the territory of Niger, the Niger River Basin covers mostly all regions of Tillabéry (including the city of Niamey), Dosso, Tahoua and some of the regions of Maradi and Agadez. This area is composed of an active part, including the river valley and its major tributaries and some inactive area.Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) provides a seamless integration of both the physical hydrology of the region and water management infrastructure that governs the allocation of available water resources to meet the different water needs. It is a priority driven software, employs priority based optimization algorithm as an alternative to hierarchal rule based logic that uses a concept of Equity Group to allocate water in time of inefficient supply. There is need for optimization of Niger River resources future need of its population.