Lake Victoria is crying for help from all the countries it serves, the East African Countries. It is one of the greatest freshwater lakes in Africa. In fact, it the second largest lake in the world based on its surface area. The name was coined by an explorer who named it after Queen Victoria.
This magnificent lake is divided into three countries. Namely :
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
This lake is fed by both rainfall and rivers. Surprisingly, the rainfalls contribute to 80% of its water. The rivers feeding this lake include Kagera, Sio, Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, Sondu Miriu, Mogusi, and Migori. It only has one outlet river. The outlet river being the Nile River.
This lake is home to a wide range of wildlife species. The wetlands around it, it has created a habitat for many wildlife species. It does host huge numbers of diverse fish species including the endemic ones.
Problems facing Lake Victoria
Introduction of invasive fish species
Some of the introduced invasive species include the tilapia, redbreast, red-belly, Nile perch, among others. These species have greatly contributed to the balance disruption in the lake. Some of the fish species end up being extinct while the remaining ones reduced in numbers.
Pollution
This is the major threat to the lake. being divided between three countries adds significant weight to this. The major contributor of pollution is waste disposal. Most of the sewage ends up in this lake. The surrounding industries and companies have also been disposing of their waste into the lake.
In Kenya, farmers have been using fertilizer on their farms. These farms are near the lake. And after rains, all the fertilizer find their way into the lake. This in return causes eutrophication. Which promoted excessive growth of unwanted weeds on the lake.
In Tanzania, farming on the slopes has contributed to soil erosion. Most of the swept soils end up in the lake. Just like in Kenya, they do use fertilizers that are carried by water into the lake.
In Uganda, the extraction of gold from ore has promoted the use of mercury. The used mercury is disposed into the lake. Mercury is one of the dangerous metals. The mercury is consumed by the fish which are consumed by humans. This a great danger to both human and animal health.
Over-exploitation
Over-fishing and illegal fishing have been a problem for this lake. Fishermen have not been able to allow the lake sufficient time to refill. This has greatly affected fish populations. It has also led to endangerment and extinction of some fish species.
Water extraction has also been a problem. Huge amounts of water have been extracted for farming and other uses. With the long dry season, the lake has not been having huge amounts of water as expected. This has lead to its shrinkage.
Invasion of the water hyacinth
This a very dangerous invasive plant species. It grows within a short period of time and spreads very fast. The growth of this plant species is contributed by the poor waste management released into the lake. Eutrophication provides a conducive environment for the growth of this weed.
An interesting fact about Lake Victoria
Geological studies have shown that the lake has dried up completely a few times in the past. The last time was approximately 17,300 years ago.
I greatly admire your environmental work in Kenya. You are like the Kenya Queen Wangari Maathai. I salute you! I’ve been trying to find more information on Wangari Maathai. Ms. Winnie you have taken up the banner and torch not just for Kenya but all of Africa! God Bless Dear Sister!
http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai
She was and still is the super environmentalist we ever had in Africa. She placed her life on line for nature and did everything and anything just to save environment. She is my role model, hope to be able to stand for nature as she did.
It’s unfortunate to hear that a Lake that so many people depend on is being threatened so severely. Invasive species, pollution, overuse: it seems that Lake Victoria is suffering from similar problems as many large lakes.
Being divided by three countries, they should be able to come up with ways to protect it. It a very resourceful lake but we are doing very little to safe guard it. Its my hope that the East Africa government come together and do something. If they can agree to do business and trade together, protecting this lake should be on top of their list.
May your posts help raise awareness of this international problem.
That’s my prayer because that the only way this post will serve it’s purpose.
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