Artificial Intelligence for Climate Resilience in the Lake Chad Basin: Pathways to Sustainable Governance and Crisis Management

The Lake Chad Basin is one of Africa’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, facing severe challenges such as desertification, declining water resources, food insecurity, displacement, and conflict. These interlinked crises have significant implications for governance, peace, and sustainable development. This paper explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen climate resilience in the Lake Chad Basin through innovative applications in environmental monitoring, crisis management, and public policy. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the study highlights how AI-powered tools—such as satellite-based remote sensing, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics—can support early warning systems for droughts, floods, and resource-related conflicts. The paper also examines how AI can enhance decision-making for sustainable governance by enabling evidence-based policies, efficient resource allocation, and regional cooperation through data-driven platforms. However, challenges related to data scarcity, infrastructure gaps, ethical considerations, and governance risks must be addressed to ensure inclusive and effective implementation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for national governments, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and African Union institutions on leveraging AI for climate resilience, security, and sustainable development in the region. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Lake Chad Basin, Governance, Early Warning Systems, Crisis Management, Sustainable Development