A holistic approach to natural resource management: A case of Lake Victoria Basin

Abstract

Lake Victoria (LV), with a surface area of about 68,870 km2, is Africa’s largest and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. It lies at an altitude of 1134 m above sea level and relatively shallow with a maximum depth of about 80 m, and an average depth of about 40 m. Figure 16.1 shows the extent of coverage of the lake and its entire catchment. The catchment area is 180,950 square kilometres with Tanzania occupying 44%, Kenya 22%, Uganda 16%, Rwanda 11% and Burundi 7%(Table 16.1). Direct rainfall into the lake is its main source of water accounting for 82% while 18%, comes in through rivers. Evaporation accounts for 76% of water loss and 24% loss are through the River Nile outflow at Jinja, Uganda. The lake’s water residence time is 23 years, while its flushing time is 123 years. The lake is one of the most important shared natural resources for three of the East African Community Partner States; it is a major source of water and fisheries in the region (Shared Vision for Lake Victoria 2004). The vegetation cover around the lake basin comprised savannah and wetlands. Its biodiversity and ecosystem provide a wide range of species of aquatic life, plant and forest cover.