Case Study #2: The OMVS
One of the most successful poverty-reduction projects conducted by governments is the OMVS (Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du Fleuve Senegal, or Senegal River Development Organization, in English). The OMVS is a partnership between the four countries that share the Senegal River in Africa. The governments of Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, and Guinea (which joined in 2005) all work together to manage the river, increase food production, and raise the standard of living for the 3.5 million people living in the river basin.
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Flag of Senegal.
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Since its creation in 1972, in response to massive droughts in Western Africa, the OMVS has undertaken two major river projects – the Diama and Manantali Dams. These dams block saltwater from traveling from the ocean farther inland, greatly increasing the amount of land available for farming (in some cases, villagers have been able to harvest up to four crops per year, a major improvement). The dams also create a steady water flow in the Senegal River, which means that water is available year-round. Before the OMVS created the dams, water could be scarce in the dry season. Irrigation has also improved because of this, increasing crop production. Finally, the dams allow the Senegal River nations to provide electricity to the population at a much cheaper price because of the hydroelectric power they generate. The hydroelectric power plant at the Manantali Dam was partially funded by the World Bank, which has invested $5.6 million dollars in OMVS projects. World Bank officials say that the OMVS is one of the most successful multi-country institutions in Africa.
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Sources
Mauro, Craig.
Development 360: River Lifeline (PDF)
World Bank: Senegal. 2006.
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