Built between August 1977 and July 1982, the Lagdo Dam is situated approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Garoua, the principal town of the North Region and the Benue Division in Cameroon.
The Lagdo Dam is located in the North Region of Cameroon, specifically within the Lagdo Subdivision of the Benue Division. Construction of the dam took place on the Benue River, which is part of the Niger Basin, and was completed between August 1977 and July 1982 by the China International Water and Electric Corp. The dam measures 308 meters in length, 40 meters in height, and 9 meters in thickness. It was constructed to achieve several key objectives: to provide a stable source of electricity for Northern Cameroon, to address the region’s scarcity of potable water, and to facilitate the irrigation of agricultural lands.
Thanks to the dam’s creation, agricultural activities have been greatly enhanced, allowing for consistent farming even during dry seasons. The River Benue, which is the longest tributary of the Niger River, benefits from the dam’s regulation of water flow. The dam has thus become a crucial element in supporting the economic activities of the local population. Inhabitants of the area cultivate a variety of crops, including maize, millet, vegetables, rice, and onions, which are essential for both food security and economic stability. Additionally, the river provides green grasses that are vital for feeding cattle, particularly during dry periods. The primary livestock in the region consists of cows, sheep, and goats.
Moreover, Lagdo has developed into a notable tourist attraction. Its scenic beauty and the benefits of the dam have made it a popular destination for visitors from both within Cameroon and abroad. This influx of tourists adds another dimension to the area’s economic vitality. The Benue River originates in the Adamawa Highlands in Northern Cameroon and flows westward for approximately 1,400 kilometers before meeting the Niger River about 450 kilometers upstream from the delta, near the city of Lokoja in Nigeria.
