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.
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 |
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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