Abstract
The storage of shallow ground water by the underground dam has been considered as one of a means to develop water resources, which contributes to strengthen social infrastructure in the semi-arid and arid region, especially in Sahel zone of Africa, where desertification is proceeding rapidly. The shallow ground water stored by underground dam is not fully developed yet and sustainable water resources being recharged by rainfall every year. It is also hygienic with low evaporation as compared to an ordinary surface dam.
In this study, we investigated candidate areas in northern Burkina Faso, where strong desertification is continuing, for the storage of shallow ground water by constructing the underground dam. As a result of survey, the suitable fossil valley existed in the lower part of riverbed of Kolongo River, which changes the flux seasonally and passed through Nare village. We constructed the underground dam in the fossil valley and showed the possibility of the storage of the shallow ground water.
