Résumé
Data and information are often scattered, heterogeneous or incomplete ; they are rarely comparable and suited to needs. Numerous public, semi-public and private organizations produce and manage data, but often they do not have the resources to exchange, assemble, standardize, summarize and capitalize on the data that they possess. Over and above these difficulties, there is also the more general problem of a natural and widespread reluctance to share information, particularly when it is considered strategic because it can be used for paid services or to provide access to power. While most countries and basins (national or transboundary) clearly need to make an effort to alleviate current data deficiencies, it is also vital that they develop links between data producers and users no matter what the theme or level of intervention (local, basin, national and international) and reinforce capacities for accessing, processing and using existing data. It is in this context and aware of these stakes that HydroSciences Montpellier Laboratory (HSM) has developed an information system, known as SIEREM, which contains several types of environmental variables for the whole of Africa.