Inventory and Characterization of the Artesian Boreholes of Dallol Maouri in the Dosso Region in Niger

Authors

  • Laoualy Hima Abdourahamane

    Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey BP 10896, Niger
  • Abdel Kader Hassane Saley

    Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey BP 10896, Niger
  • Idi Souley Tangam

    Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey BP 10896, Niger
  • Sandao Issoufou

    Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey BP 10896, Niger; Ministry of the Environment, Hydraulics and Sanitation, Niamey BP 257, Niger

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i4.12892
Received: 12 December 2025 | Revised: 28 January 2026| Accepted: 10 March 2026 | Published Online: 8 April 2026

Abstract

This study aims to list and characterize the artesian boreholes of the Dallol Maouri valley, in the Dosso Region (Niger), and to assess their water potential with a view to their development for irrigation. The Dallol Maouri is one of the country's most dynamic agricultural areas, where groundwater is the main source of supply for drinking water, irrigation and pastoral activities. Despite the drilling of many artesian boreholes over several decades, their contribution to agricultural development remains limited due to insufficient knowledge of their hydrogeological characteristics and their operational condition. The methodology is based on an integrated approach combining the analysis of bibliographic and technical data, an exhaustive inventory of artesian boreholes supported by field surveys and in situ measurements (condition of the structures, flows and uses), as well as statistical, hydrogeological and spatial analyses under GIS. Forty-one artesian boreholes were inventoried, 93% of which are still flowing. The structures mainly exploit the aquifers of the Intercalary Continental/Hamadien (CI/H) and the lower Continental terminal (Ct1). Boreholes tapping the CI/H show high flows, reaching up to 257 m3/h, while those of the Ct1 display flows below 40 m3/h. The results highlight a significant and easily mobilizable water potential for irrigation, contrasted with an advanced deterioration of the structures, 78% of which are in poor condition and require urgent rehabilitation actions. The demonstration of the morpho-structural control of artesianism constitutes a decision support tool for the siting of hydraulic structures and the integrated management of water resources in the Dallol Maouri sub-basin.

Keywords:

Dallol Maouri; Artesian Aquifer; Irrigation; Inventory

References

[1] Guero, A., 2003. Study of Hydraulic Relationship between Aquifers of the Southwestern Part of the Iullemmeden Sedimentary Basin (Niger): Geochemical and Hydrodynamic Approaches [PhD Thesis]. Université Paris Sud 11: Orsay, France. Available from: https://theses.fr/2003PA112326 (in French)

[2] Hassimi, A., Idrissa, A., 2021. The degradation of the physical environment and its impact on production factors in the dallols: a historical perspective. Revue scientifique des Arts, Communication, Lettres, Sciences Humaines et Sociales. 4(2), 452–463. Available from: http://djiboul.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Alassane-HASSIMI-Abdou-IDRISSA.pdf (in French)

[3] INS, 2012. The Population and Housing Census (The 4th RGP/H). Institut National de la Statistique du Niger: Niamey, Niger. Available from: https://stat-niger.org/wp-content/uploads/renaloc/ReNaLoc_RGPH_2012.pdf (in Fench)

[4] Geigert, J., 1966. Description of the Cretaceous and Tertiary formations of the Iullemmeden Basin (West Africa). In Publication Directorate of Mines and Geology Republic of Niger, Vol. 2. Rapport BRGM: Paris, France. (in French)

[5] Abdou, A.I., Huguette, C.E., Alain, Z., et al., 2024. Hydrogeophysical and structural investigations using VES: A case study of Dosso Region in the Southwestern part of the Meso-Cenozoïc Iullemmeden basin (Southwestern Niger). Open Journal of Geology. 14(1), 50–80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2024.141004

[6] Kogbe, C.A., 1991. Stratigraphy and tectonic history of the Iullemmeden Basin in West Africa. South African Journal of Geology. 94(1), 19–32. DOI: https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA10120750_591

[7] Al-Abadi, A.M., Alsamaani, J.J., 2020. Spatial analysis of groundwater flowing artesian condition using machine learning techniques. Groundwater for Sustainable Development. 11, 100418. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100418

[8] Gedamu, G., Mitiku, K.W., Belay, M.A., et al., 2025. Barriers to the sustainability of rural water schemes in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development. 15(5), 427–442. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2025.101

[9] Ousmane, B., 1988. Geochemical and Isotopic Study of the Basement Aquifers of the Sahelian Strip of Niger (Liptako, Su-Maradi and Zinder-East) [PhD Thesis]. Université de Niamey: Niamey, Niger. (in French)

[10] Daddy Gaoh, M.A., 1993. Study of the Continental Terminal Aquifers between Dallols Bosso and Maouri (Republic of Niger) [PhD Thesis]. Université de Liège: Liège, Belgium. (in French)

[11] Abdou Babaye, M.S., 2012. Assessment of Groundwater Resources in the Dargol Basin (Liptako-Niger) [PhD Thesis]. Université Abdou Moumouni-Université de Liège: Niamey, Niger. (in French)

[12] Saley, A.K.H., Sandao, I., Michelot, J.-L., 2019. Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Continental Intercalaire and Continental Hamadien Aquifer Systems in the Iullemeden Basin of Tahoua Region Republic of Niger. Journal of Water Resource and Protection. 11(9), 1188–1205. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2019.119069

[13] Anderson, M.P., Woessner, W.W., Hunt, R.J., 2015. Applied Groundwater Modeling: Simulation of Flow and Advective Transport, 2nd ed. Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA.

[14] Cherry, J.A., Freeze, R.A., 1979. Groundwater. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA.

[15] RGAC, 2008. General Agriculture and Livestock Census (RGAC 2005/2007) Volume III: Final Results (Agriculture Component). Republic of Niger Ministry of Agricultural Development Ministry of Animal Resources: Niamey, Niger. (in French)

[16] Konaté, M., Lang, J., Guiraud, M., et al., 2006. An extensive basin formed during the melting of the Hirnantian ice sheet: The Ordovico-Silurian basin of Kandi (Northern Benin, Southern Niger). Africa Geoscience Review. 13(2), 157–183. Available from: https://hal.science/hal-00192922v1/document

[17] Inaytoulaye, S.G., Saley, A.K.H., Sandao, I., et al., 2023. Application of a Multi-Criteria Approach for the Assessment of Groundwater Potential in the Basement Zone: A Case of Tamou (South West Niger). International Journal of Geosciences. 14(1), 1–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2023.141001

[18] Ahmed, K.S., Liu, K., Mioumnde, A.P., et al., 2020. Anatomy of eastern Niger rift basin with specific references of its petroleum systems. International Journal of Geosciences. 11(5), 305–324. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2020.115016

[19] Laouali-Idi, K., Sani, A., Konaté, M., 2021. Analysis of the sedimentary infilling of the central part of the Iullemmeden basin (Central Niger) during the period from the Late Cretaceous to the Paleocene-Ypresian and associated transgressions. European Scientific Journal. 17(29), 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2021.v17n29p1 (in Fench)

[20] Sylla, I., Ouedraogo, M., Soro, D.D., et al., 2025. Aquifers Characterization for the Location of Drinking Water Supply Points in Gbangbégouiné-Yati, in the Department of Man (West of Côte d’Ivoire). International Journal of Geosciences. 16(5), 287–301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2025.165015

[21] Alhassane, I., Abdou Babaye, M.S., Souleymane, I.M., 2023. Contribution of Geophysical Prospecting (1D) to Characterize a Precambrian Basement Aquifers Agadez Region (North, Niger). International Journal of Geosciences. 14(11), 1177–1191. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2023.1411060

[22] Richard-Molard, J., 1956. French West Africa: With 15 sketches and 21 Photographs (Not Included in the Text). Éditions Berger-Levrault: Paris, France. (in French)

[23] Dodo, A.K., Sy, M.B., Tossou, J., 2022. Conjunctive Management of Water Resources and Governance of Transboundary Aquifers of Iullemeden-Taoudeni/Tanezrouft (ITTAS) (Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria). In: Sánchez, R. (Ed.). Transboundary Aquifers Challenges and the Way Forward. United Nations Educational, Scientiffc and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Paris, France. pp. 173–177.

[24] Bell, M.T., Tillery, A.C., 2023. Regression equations for estimating the 4-day, 3-year low-flow frequency and adjusted harmonic mean streamflow at ungaged sites for unregulated, perennial streams in New Mexico: Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5058. U.S. Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey: Reston, VA, USA. Available from: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/sir20235058

[25] Zowam, F.J., Milewski, A.M., 2024. Groundwater Level Prediction Using Machine Learning and Geospatial Interpolation Models. Water. 16(19), 2771. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192771

[26] Dikouma, M.S., 1990. Sea level Fluctuations during the Maastrichtian and Paleocene in the Intracratonic Iullemmeden Basin (Niger): Biochronology and Dynamics of Sedimentary Bodies [PhD Thesis]. Université de Dijon: Dijon, France. Available from: https://theses.fr/1990DIJOS004 (in French)

[27] Bellion, Y., 1987. Post-Paleozoic Geodynamic History of West Africa Based on the Study of Some Sedimentary Basins (Senegal, Taoudenni, Iullemmeden, Chad) [PhD Thesis]. Université d’Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse: Avignon, France. Available from: https://theses.fr/1987AVIG0005 (in French)

[28] Guiraud, R., Alidou, S., 1981. The Kandi Fault (Benin), Evidence of late Cretaceous Reactivation of a Major Accident on the Scale of the African Plate. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences de Paris. 293(10), 779–782. (in French)

[29] Abdou Mahaman, R., Nazoumou, Y., Favreau, G., et al., 2023. Paleochannel groundwater discharge to the River Niger in the Iullemmeden Basin estimated by nearsurface geophysics and piezometry. Environmental Earth Sciences. 82, 202. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-10861-y

[30] Sandiford, M., Lawrie, K., Brodie, R.S., 2020. Hydrogeological implications of active tectonics in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. Hydrogeology Journal. 28(1), 57–73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-02046-4

[31] FAO, 1970. SF/NER 8. Technical Report 1: Studies for the Development of Dallol Maouri, Niger: Groundwater, Maps and Graphs. FAO: Rome, Italy. (in French)

[32] Sani Oumarou, H.S., 2022. Hydrogeological Study of the Sedimentary Aquifers (Quaternary and Cenozoic) of Dallol Maouri (Southwest Niger): Contributions of Hydro-Climatology, Hydrodynamics, Hydrochemistry and Geochemistry [PhD Thesis]. Université Abdou Moumouni: Niamey, Niger. (in French)

[33] Daddy Gaoh, A., Dassargues, A., 1995. Exploitation of the alluvial aquifer of the Dallol Maouri for irrigated crops. Etude originale. Secheresse. 6(3), 257–263. Available from: https://orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/2127/1/ArticleS%C3%A9cheresseNiger.pdf (in French)

[34] World Bank, 2009. Report 49379-NE: Irrigation Development in Niger Diagnosis and Strategic Options: Sectoral Review of Irrigation. World Bank: Washington, DC, USA. (in French)

[35] Faye, A., Msangi, S., 2018. MPR Paper 92625: Rainfall Variability and Groundwater Availability for Irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from the Niayes Region of Senegal. University Library of Munich: Munich, Germany.

[36] Granata, F., Di Nunno, F., 2025. Rising Threats to Groundwater Recharge: Adaptive Strategies for the Sahel Under Climate Change. Groundwater for Sustainable Development. 30, 101468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101468

[37] Sylla, M.B., Pal, J.S., Faye, A., et al., 2018. Climate change to severely impact West African basin scale irrigation in 2 ℃ and 1.5 ℃ global warming scenarios. Scientific Reports. 8, 14395.

[38] Tefera, M.L., Giovanna, S., Alberto, C., et al., 2025. Rainfall variability and drought in West Africa: Challenges and implications for rainfed agriculture. Theoretical and Applied Climatology. 156(1), 41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-024-05251-8

[39] Cochand, J., 2007. Small-Scale Private Irrigation in Southern Niger: Potential and Constraints of a Local Dynamic: The Case of the Gaya Department [PhD Thesis]. Université de Lausanne: Lausanne, Switzerland. Available from: https://igd.unil.ch/memoires/uploads/memoire/memoire_pdf/922/ba20827f-7bc2-4431-9c46-f999a00e3507.pdf (in French)

[40] Dambo, L., 2007. Water Use in Gaya (Niger): Between Strong Potential and Major Constraints [PhD Thesis]. Université de Lausanne: Lausanne, Switzerland. Available from: https://www.pseau.org/outils/ouvrages/unil_usages_de_l_eau_a_gaya_niger_2007.pdf (in French)

Downloads

How to Cite

Abdourahamane, L. H., Hassane Saley, A. K., Tangam, I. S., & Issoufou, S. (2026). Inventory and Characterization of the Artesian Boreholes of Dallol Maouri in the Dosso Region in Niger. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(4), 46–45. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i4.12892

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 4 (April 2026)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Laoualy Hima Abdourahamane, Abdel Kader Hassane Saley, Idi Souley Tangam, Sandao Issoufou

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC