• Severe water scarcity: in a semi-arid context where rainfall is infrequent and unpredictable.

• Structural erosion: caused by strong runoff, which has weakened part of the retention basin over time.

• High pastoral pressure: with 90% of the surrounding population practicing traditional livestock herding.

• Competing water needs: as the borehole drilled to support the agro-pastoral perimeter is now primarily used for drinking water and community services.

• Limited agricultural diversification: with only a small number of households transitioning from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism.

• Land degradation: requiring restoration and vegetation recovery.

• Climate vulnerability: demanding

• The Kourtimalei Living Lab: is designed as a real-life experimentation platform to test and demonstrate integrated solutions for water, ecosystems, and agroforestry.

• Water management & infrastructure rehabilitation:

– Rehabilitation of the damaged section of the retention basin by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD).

– Optimisation of water storage capacity (up to 600,000 m³), allowing water availability for about six months after rainfall.

– Focus on strengthening groundwater recharge and improving basin longevity.

• Agro-Pastoral Transition & Land Restoration:

– Support to 15 households transitioning from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism.

– Establishment of an agro-pastoral perimeter near the retention basin.

– Promotion of agroforestry techniques adapted to arid environments.

– Restoration of degraded land and reduction of erosion.

• Comm