Groundwater Potential and Flood Hazard Maps to Improve the Livelihood of Rural Communities of the Extreme Nord Region of Cameroon

Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) coupled with field data collection are powerful tools to elaborate the Ground Water Potential (GWP) and Groundwater Potential Index (GWPI) maps. All the data obtained remotely and from the ground make it possible to characterise two sectors with different characteristics. The eastern sector of the study area is characterised by moderate to good GWP and GWPI values; and aquifers hosted in alluvial and/or Aeolian deposits are shallow. In this sector, the identification of drilling sites is fairly easy and groundwater is available all year round. In the western sector, GWP and GWPI values vary from poor to good; and aquifers hosted mainly in saprolites or within the topmost part of the fractured and altered crystalline basement, are difficult to identify. In this area, pumping rates are often weak, and in many areas, groundwater is not available during part of the long dry season. The achieved remote-based and ground-based data also enable the development of both Flood Hazard Map and Disaster Risk Reduction Plan useful in ensuring the health and safety of local communities, and safe access to livelihoods and social services.