In the vast, arid expanse of the Sahel region, where water is a precious and scarce resource, the urgency of addressing water stress has never been more critical. Stretching from Mauritania to Sudan, this region faces some of the most severe water shortages on Earth, with Niger among the hardest-hit countries. Recognizing the dire need for accurate and accessible data to tackle this challenge, the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), through its West and North Africa Hub (WNAH), launched the Ruwa Niger project.
This ambitious initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and local authorities in the Dosso region, set out to map and analyze water access across some of the most vulnerable communities. With the help of local youth, trained in remote mapping and field verification, the project added over 22,000 buildings and 2,200 pieces of critical equipment to the map. These efforts culminated in the creation of 12 detailed thematic maps, providing invaluable insights and recommendations to improve water access in the region.
The meticulous process of data collection and validation ensured that the information was accurate, reliable, and ready for use. Field supervisors and data cleaners worked tirelessly to verify every detail, from water points and sanitation facilities to schools and cemeteries. The resulting maps, now part of the OpenStreetMap repository, offer a clear visualization of hydraulic infrastructures, their condition, and their proximity to communities.
These maps are more than just data; they are lifelines for the people of Niger, guiding decisions that will improve access to clean water and, ultimately, quality of life. The Ruwa Niger project is a testament to the power of open data in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the Sahel, ensuring that even in the harshest environments, communities have the tools they need to thrive.
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