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Lake Victoria - socio-economic impacts


In this post, I would like to look at the changing socio-economic repercussions.
In an article I read, a fisherman complains that his income has fallen by 70 per cent and that he has problems asserting himself in other areas of work. Since he has been in this profession for decades, he has noticed the changes. His way of life has changed a lot due to the decrease in the amount of fish in the lake so that he had to register his children at another school because he could not afford the previous one. Of course, this fisherman is not the only one affected. According to scientists, the reasons for the loss of fish are over-fishing, pollution and other human activities. This also includes anthropogenic climate change. An increasing major challenge is also posed by the growing population of the basin. According to the article, it’s Africa’s fastest-growing population with over 30 million people, whose livelihood is depending on the lake. 

Fishing boats (Uganda)

I would now like to address the dangers that put the lake and its residents in a difficult position.

Pollution
The lake was severely irritated by the use of the three neighbouring countries. This includes, for example, the excessive untreated effluents (+ sewage), industrial waste and other chemicals. The main reason for the pollution is the lack of communication between the countries and the weak assertiveness of the government. 


polluted Lake Victoria


Over-fishing
Apparently, many players are licensed to fish in the lake, driving overfishing and reducing the availability of fish for residents. The figures given speak for themselves: Instead of earing 150 million US-Dollars from fish export, it’s only 90 million US-Dollars per year, nowadays.  
Moreover, it also seems possible that anyone who wants to fish on the lake can do so.

Fishermen


Water levels
As I mentioned last week, physical conditions have been changing for a few decades. For the decline in water levels, environmental degradation and climatic changes are mentioned. In addition to the loss of trees and wetlands, Uganda's two power dams at the Owen Falls are also reported as the cause. Again, another reason is the increasing population, which requires a larger amount of water.
Furthermore, a growing proportion of algae is also observed in the lake. The algae accumulate mainly on the surface of the water and the reason for their growth is probably the increased nutrients such as phosphates and nitrogen, substances that algae feed on, as scientists claim. It has also been found that the algae are said to be toxic and therefore dangerous to some animals and plants in and around the lake and to humans. Since some organs of the animals are damaged but do not kill them, indirect poisoning through the consumption of these animals is possible.

growing proportion of algae


All these changes pose new challenges for the countries in question. If no solutions are found, conflicts between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will also spread to other regions (Stuteville, 2008). People who fish out of despair and starvation can, if caught, end up in prison and/or pay a high instalment.
Since the forecasts speak of a further decline in the water level, rapid action is needed. For example, it would make sense for countries to join forces and discuss common borders and goals. As I could read from the literature, deforestation is the main cause of the rainfall decrease and should, therefore, be restricted. Of course, this is easier said than done and is a big problem worldwide. The economic dependence of the proceeds from deforestation is difficult for some areas to escape. Another approach is for governments to focus on a law on fisheries and to carry out greater controls. To stop overfishing, studies would probably have to find out what amounts of fish that can be fished are not harmful to the population and reproduction.
In summary, it can be said that the effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, but there is still not as much decline as in Lake Chad. It is very likely that similar problems will arise, particularly concerning the economic situation of fishermen. So, the situation could get worse and worse and I think we could still act in time and avoid the worst. By we, I mean that I think that help, whether it is financial or men-power, can be expected from e.g. the UN. Since players also share a big economic profit of the lake, they should also be involved in finding a solution.

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