Cameroon – Agro-Industrial Development Programme – Phase I: Construction of Multipurpose Dams

The Agro-Industry Development Programme in Northern Cameroon – Phase 1: Construction of Multipurpose Hillside Dams (PDAS-1CB) is a water security, climate resilience and agro-industrial development programme covering the North and Far North regions of Cameroon. It constitutes the first phase of a broader multi-tranche programme aimed at securing and developing water resources to support agriculture, livestock, fisheries, domestic water supply, industry and local economic development. The programme will finance the construction of three multipurpose dams at Ndiam-Badi in Bibémi, Poli, and Barkéhi in Gashiga, as well as the rehabilitation of the Mazam and Djingliya reservoirs, small crossing structures and sections of the Benue River dykes. It will also develop 618 hectares of irrigated land, rehabilitate approximately 60 km of access roads, establish transhumance corridors, livestock watering points, boreholes and mini drinking-water supply systems, and support agro-pastoral processing, producer organizations, climate resilience and local social infrastructure. Additional technical and environmental studies will be prepared for future dams at Massakal-Minglia, Boboyo-Kasselé-Gadas and Sirdjam. The total cost of the programme is estimated at EUR 88.743 million, financed by an African Development Bank loan of EUR 81.2 million and a Government of Cameroon counterpart contribution of EUR 7.543 million. No additional co-financing is included in the financing plan for this phase. However, within the wider PDAS programme, the World Bank has indicated its intention to finance two of the five planned dams, although the amount is not specified in this appraisal report. The executing agency is the Ministry of Water and Energy.