Background Information
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world – only Lake Superior in North America is more expansive. Located on the African Great Lakes, under the jurisdiction of three countries – Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda – it holds an estimated 88,900 cubic kilometres of water. This is an incredible amount of water, but just how does it compare to other, notably British bodies of water?
Comparing to the UK
Britain is a fairly small nation, but it still boasts some impressive bodies of water. Topping the list is the even more mighty Lake Superior, with North Sea, The English Channel, and Loch Lomondl all making an impression. But how does Lake Victoria measure up?
The most repetitive comparison for Lake Victoria is with the United Kingdom. As the nations are so far apart, and the British Isles so relatively small, it compares extremely unfavorably. The lake’s surface area is approximately 70,000km², the size of Germany, the UK smaller still at around 243,610km². To put it another way, if the lake were to cover the area of Britain, it would be more than four times bigger than the actual UK.
Deeper Comparison
Lake Victoria is, of course, best known for its enormous size, as well as being the source of the Nile River, the longest river in the world. However, in terms of depth, the lake is rather shallow. With an average depth of around 40 metres, it is much shallower than any of the UK’s large lakes. Lake Lomond, for example, is a staggering 217 metres deep, while North Sea stretches down
nearly 75 metres. Though still impressive in size, the shallow depths of Lake Victoria won’t be challenging the UK’s most dominant waterways anytime soon.
Britain also boasts some impressive valleys and rivers, with the valley of Vale of York covering 246 km² and the river Thames covering 346 km². These compare particularly unfavourably to the lake’s area, as the two combined – at 592 km² – are still a fraction of the lake’s 70,000 km².
Exploring Further
In regards to the depth comparison, further exploration of the lake reveals why the waters are so shallow. Lake Victoria was formed by an intense geological event, which left many sediment layers on the lake beds. Over several thousands of years these deposits have built up, blocking off much of the lake’s water, as well as contributing to its massive breadth.
It is also important to consider that much of the lake’s size and depth cannot be observed from outside. It goes without saying that although the lake’s surface area is seemingly immense, it is nothing compared to what lies beneath. The lake is home to several species of fish, some of which are found no where else on Earth, further propelling the lake’s mystique and intrigue.
Historical Significance
The lake isn’t just of great physical significance, but of historical importance, too. It is thought to be the point of origin of several human migrations, with early settlers looking to the lake’s surrounding areas as a viable way of supporting their families and growing their clans. This immigration eventually spread throughout Africa, and continues to this day.
Furthermore, the lake has been connected to central trade for centuries. Not only are the waters used to transport cargo, but the surrounding countries rely heavily on the lake for their economy, with fishing being a significant employer for many local communities.
Environmental Impact
The lake has suffered significantly over the years, however. With such a thick layer of sediment blocking off so much of the water, it is almost impossible for Lake Victoria to become any deeper. The presence of an extra layer of sediment also has an effect on the lake’s ability to retain water, making it vulnerable to drying up during severe weather conditions.
In addition, water pollution is a major problem affecting the lake. Growing nearby industries have used the lake as a dumping ground for waste, dramatically reducing the lake’s water quality, and endangering the many species that call the lake home. Despite the efforts of local authorities, Lake Victoria continues to face grave threats to its continued existence.
Preservation Efforts
Preservation efforts have been in place for some time now. The East African Cooperation organisation – representing both Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – has been working on a strategy to secure the lake’s future for several years now, fighting back against ongoing pollution.
The organisation has implemented several restrictions on fishing, including imposing a ban on certain species of fish, such as the endangered Nile Perch. It has also established stringent rules on the use of fertilisers and other chemicals, with many organisations now required to obtain special permits before the use of any in and around the lake.
Political Situations
The three countries surrounding the lake, who all form part of the East African Cooperation organisation, have had a volatile relationship over the last few years. There have been several disputes over each country’s right to the lake, including disagreements over fishing rights and control of resources.
The most recent conflict arose when Uganda objected to Tanzania moving a portion of its maritime boundary into Ugandan water, forcing the African Union to intervene and seek a resolution. While a resolution has been reached, it goes to show that tensions between the countries can easily rise over the control of such an expansive body of water.
Impact on the Sociology
Despite the conflicts surrounding Lake Victoria, locals believe that the lake contributes significantly to the culture and livelihood of those who live nearby. Not only are the waters rich in fish, but the area surrounding the lake is rich in other resources.
The locals rely heavily on their nearby surroundings. Not only is there an abundance of agricultural activity, but hunting and gathering are common, too. This age-old connection to the lake continues to this day, and has been an integral part of life to the people of the region for centuries.
Tourism Potential
The lake is also a popular tourist destination. Surrounded by several national parks – such bird watching at Mabamba swamp and Queen Elizabeth National Park – and the capital cities of Kampala and Entebbe, the lake presents a unique cultural experience. With hiking, camping, and swimming activities, the lake is a great place for tourists and locals alike.
The lake is also home to several monuments, museums and cultural centres, as well as a large number of resorts and hotels. The lake’s popularity with tourists has only increased in recent years, with thousands of people visiting each year.
Conclusion
Given its size and importance, it is no surprise that Lake Victoria is one of Africa’s most impressive landmarks. However, when comparing it to the UK, it quickly becomes evident that the lake is more than just a large body of water – it is integral to the livelihood and culture of the surrounding communities. As such, much more must be done to preserve and protect the lake, so that it can survive for many generations. With the right conditions, the lake has huge potential, and could easily become a focal point for the whole of Africa.
