Lake Kariba, located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is facing a severe water crisis due to the latest El Nino drought. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared it a national disaster. Historian and social scientist Joshua Matanzima discusses the socioeconomic impact of the drought on the area’s residents.
Background
- Lake Kariba, a 280-kilometer-long reservoir, was created by the Kariba Dam, built in the Zambezi river basin between 1955 and 1959.
- It provides hydroelectric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and supports various sectors like fisheries, conservation, tourism, and recreation.
El Nino and Water Levels
- The El Nino weather pattern has induced droughts in the region since the early 2010s, leading to a significant drop in water levels at Lake Kariba.
- As of April 8, 2024, water levels reached only 13.52% of capacity, down from 21.94% the previous year.
Socioeconomic Impact
- Survival
- Many rely on the lake for fishing, but drought reduces fish spawning areas, leading to decreased catches.
- Human-crocodile conflicts escalate as crocodiles prey on fishers’ catches.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Reduced water levels increase competition between humans and wildlife for resources, leading to conflicts.
- Animals encroach on human-populated areas, causing clashes.
- Poaching
- Animals move closer to human settlements in search of water, increasing poaching activities.
- Tourism
- Tourism declines as game drives and fishing activities are impacted by low water levels.
- Water Collection
- Women and children face increased risks as they must travel further to collect water, leading to injuries and deaths.
- Trade Disruption
- Cross-border traders suffer as low fish catches hinder their businesses between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Mitigation Measures
- Long-term solutions involve transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar to mitigate the impact of reduced power generation from the dam.
- Robust measures are needed to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, including awareness campaigns and directing humans away from high animal activity areas.
- Utilizing local knowledge and practices, such as rainmaking ceremonies, can be beneficial in addressing water scarcity issues.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary cause of the water crisis at Lake Kariba?
- A) Deforestation
- B) El Nino drought
- C) Urbanization
- D) Pollution
- Answer: B) El Nino drought
- What percentage of Lake Kariba’s capacity did the water levels reach by April 8, 2024?
- A) 21.94%
- B) 13.52%
- C) 30%
- D) 50%
- Answer: B) 13.52%
- What is one of the impacts of the drought on the fishing community at Lake Kariba?
- A) Increased fish catches
- B) Decreased crocodile attacks
- C) Reduced fish spawning areas
- D) Expansion of fishing camps
- Answer: C) Reduced fish spawning areas
- How do reduced water levels contribute to human-wildlife conflict?
- A) By increasing available resources
- B) By decreasing competition
- C) By forcing animals to encroach on human-populated areas
- D) By limiting animal populations
- Answer: C) By forcing animals to encroach on human-populated areas