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Lake Victoria

I'd like to add another lake to my little collection today, it's Lake Victoria. 
The quite famous lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake stretches over three countries: Tanzania (occupying 49 %, Kenya (6%) and Uganda (45%) (Yunana et al., 2017). Lake Victoria is “the largest Lake in Africa with the surface are of 68,800 km² and a catchment area of 193,000 km²” (Yunana et al., p. 651, 2017). The water supply is guaranteed by the rivers Mara, Kagera, Mirongo, Grumeti, Mbalageti, Simiyu, and Mori. Furthermore, Lake Victoria has a length from north to south of 412 km, between latitudes 13°0’ N 14°0E. The length from west to east is about 355 km between longitudes 31°37’ and 34°53’ E. The physical conditions around the lake can be described as “arid or semiarid with a relatively high mean annual rainfall of 1200 mm – 1600 mm” (Yunana et al., p.651, 2017). 

Geographical location of Lake Victoria

Here, too, most of the population works in the primary sector. This includes work as farmers and fishermen but also businessmen and few are employees.

Fishermen of Lake Victoria
Since rainfall is the major source of water in Lake Victoria, it’s important to observe the changing rainfall conditions due to climate change. The Lake ensures more than 80% of the population work and 60% of it “practise rain-dependent agriculture, which generates in the range of 30–40 per cent of basin states’ gross domestic product” (Mwitutubani and van Wyk, p.65, 2009). The fishing industry also ensures economic success, as more than 500,000 tonnes are exported and consumed locally. Besides, there is talk of a high biodiversity both on land and in the water. In the last 40 years, there have also been major changes and challenges to be observed here due to climate change. Here, the decreasing amount of precipitation has a particular impact. Also, land degradation and population growth will present the entire region with new challenges. Another important factor is the overuse of seawater for hydroelectric power generation. This and other socio-economic create conflicts between neighbouring countries. The rivers are also an important source of work and life for the local people (Mwitutubani and van Wyk, 2009).
Nevertheless, the decreasing rainfall is explained due to the deforestation and deforestation is caused by human activities. Why is deforestation so important for climate? In this video (2:52) the consequences of the deforestations are clearly explained. You are welcome to watch this video to become more aware of the consequences.

Deforestation
Forecasts indicate that there may be a five to 20 per cent increase in rainfall in East Africa from December to February and a five to 10 per cent decrease from June to August. These fluctuations can temporarily lead to droughts or floods. But to a large extent, a decrease is recognized in the region (Mwitutubani and van Wyk, 2009).
I had problems finding exact numbers of the shrinking size of Lake Victoria, but both articles thematise this phenomenon.
In the next week, I will have a look at the socio-economic problems and how they can be compared to Lake Chad and Lake Tanganyika.

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