Located in the remote northern region of Kenya, Lake Turkana is notable for being Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the largest permanent desert lake globally. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its unique biodiversity and cultural significance. Despite its remarkable features, it remains one of Africa’s least studied and understood water bodies.
Geographic Features
- Location: Northern Kenya
- Significance: Africa’s fourth-largest lake, largest permanent desert lake
Socioeconomic Impact
- Population: Approximately 1 million people in the Turkana region
- Livelihoods: Primarily pastoralism, fishing, and limited crop farming
- Challenges: Semi-saline waters, high evaporation rates, and fluctuating lake levels (up to 8 meters per decade)
Historical Attempts
- Commercialization Failures: Past efforts to commercialize the fishery have been unsuccessful due to limited understanding of the lake’s conditions.
- Development Challenges: The volatile nature of the lake hinders sustainable development.
Recent Developments
- November 2023 Project Launch: A new 10-year project, funded by the Dutch Government and implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNESCO, in collaboration with Turkana and Marsabit counties and the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Kenya.
- Project Goals: To enhance food security and economic well-being through an integrated food systems approach, focusing on safe and nutritious food availability and promotion of healthy diets.
Comprehensive Study
- Baseline Study: The project’s first year involves establishing a baseline study of the fishery, including:
- Catch Reporting System: Collecting data from local fishers on fish catches across lake zones.
- Acoustic Surveys: Conducting two lake-wide surveys per year to estimate fish biomass.
Preliminary Findings
- First Survey: Took place in May-June 2024.
- Findings: High fish abundance with notable concentrations in specific lake regions. Significant presence of both large and small pelagic species, especially in the central and northern sectors.
- Focus: Small pelagic species, which are underutilized but highly productive.
Potential for Development
- Offshore Fishery: The development of an offshore fishery for small pelagic species, similar to other Great African lakes, is seen as a major opportunity.
- Nutritional Value: Small pelagic species are nutritious, affordable, and processed in an environmentally friendly manner (sundried).
Ongoing Investigations
- Survey Schedule: Repeating lake-wide acoustic surveys every six months for the next five years, with the next survey planned for November/December.
- Challenges: Addressing the challenges of unlocking potential in a remote and constantly changing environment.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the significance of Lake Turkana?
- A. It is Africa’s largest lake.
- B. It is the largest permanent desert lake in the world.
- C. It is the deepest lake in Africa.
- D. It is the most polluted lake in Africa.
- Which entities are involved in the new 10-year project for Lake Turkana?
- A. United Nations and World Health Organization
- B. Dutch Government, World Food Programme (WFP), UNESCO, Turkana and Marsabit counties, and the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Kenya
- C. European Union and International Red Cross
- D. World Bank and African Union
- What was a major finding from the first lake-wide acoustic survey conducted in 2024?
- A. Low fish abundance
- B. High abundance of fish with notable concentrations in specific regions
- C. Increase in pollution levels
- D. Decrease in fish biomass
- What is the primary focus of the planned offshore fishery development?
- A. Large pelagic species
- B. Aquatic plants
- C. Small pelagic species
- D. Freshwater crustaceans
- How often will the lake-wide acoustic surveys be conducted over the next five years?
- A. Annually
- B. Every six months
- C. Quarterly
- D. Monthly