Damming of the rivers upstream of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in northern Nigeria has upset the normal annual water flows to Lake Chad. This has led to an explosion of Typha grass which blocks channels and takes over crop and pasture land, threatening livelihoods and contributing to a ten-fold increase in poverty levels. Improved communication between wetlands communities and the water management authorities is, however, starting to bring more responsive and transparent water management, to the benefit of all. 09/07/09