MOI UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF DEGREE IN EDUCATION ( ARTS)

EMP 410: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

LECTURER : DR. OKORE LUTHER

TASK : TAKE AWAY ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC : POLLUTION IN LAKE VICTORIA : THE PLACE OF HUMANS

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

GROUP MEMBERS AND THEIR DETAILS

S/No NAMES REG NO. PHONE SIGN

1. TOBIAS OCHIENG ED/2813/20 0740063355

2. OKUMU VIVIAN ED/3190/20 0708209207

3. ODHIAMBO SIMON ED/3358/20 0797956583

4. ABRAHAM KIPLIMO ED/2663/20 0746505737

5. JUDITH OTIENO ED/3312/20 0702874531

6. PURITY APOTE ED/3315/20 0741189443

7. JOSEPH MAYIEKA ED/1310/20 0743540639

8. JARED ONTITA ED/2033/20 0792049440

9. NATHAN KIPTOO ED/2888/20 0745593510

10. DIANA MUMO ED/1748/20 0793909134

LISTS OF ABBREVIATIONS
INTRODUCTION

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second freshwater lake in the
world. It is an important source of water for millions of people living in East Africa and a major
economic hub for the region. Nevertheless it can be viewed as an African gem. The lake serves
three countries in East Africa, that is, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. It touches the equator in its
northern reaches, and is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of about 80m, and an
average depth of 40m. Also, the lake's shoreline is long ( about 3,500km) and convulated,
enclosing innumerable small, shallow bays and inlets, many of which include swamps and
wetlands which differ a great deal from another and even from the lake itself which is a major
ecosystem as per this paper. The lake's ecological significance and importance to the region are
multifaceted and encompass various including biodiversity, climate regulation, fisheries,
transportation and tourism. The lake is the best example of the impact of anthropogenic
activities on ecosystems having exhibited dramatic biophysical and geochemical changes within
a relatively short time. The population along the lake Victoria is estimated to about 40 million
people with an average population density of 250 people per square km. The population is
growing at a rate of 3.5 percent each year, which is among the highest population growth rate
in the world. This worrying population rate of the lake stands as a stark reminder of the
detrimental impact of human activities on fragile ecosystems. This vast freshwater lake, has
long been a vital resource supporting numerous people as seen above and sustaining rich
biodiversity. However, rampant pollution has threatened its ecological balance thus
jeopardizing not only the lake's delicate ecosystem but also the livelihood of those who depend
on it. Primarily, the pollution in lake Victoria is caused by human activities including industrial
and agricultural practices, urbanization and population growth. The purpose of this paper is to
provide an acomprehensive overview of the pollution of lake Victoria, focusing on the role of
human actions exacerbating the problem.
CAUSES OF POLLUTION

Humans are the main actors to the pollution of lake Victoria due to the various activities they
carry out. Most of these activities are leading to deplorable condition of the aquatic lives in the
lake ecosystem. Although there are many abiotic and biotic organisms in lake Victoria which are
of intense interests to both researchers and biologists but fish receives the most attention.
Fishing is the main economic activity taking place in the lake and so all the human activities in
and around the lake greatly affecting fish species either directly or indirectly as discussed
below.

Poor waste disposal

Most of the urban centres around lake Victoria such as Kisumu, Homabay and siaya in Kenya
contribute greatly to the lake's pollution. Some of these are congested with people and have
poor sewage management and so the lake is the disposal point of pollutants. Human wastes
that are collected in sewers without treatment are disposed into the lake and are very harmful
even to the humans themselves since they depend on the fish for consumption and water for
various uses.

Industrial discharge

Almost every industry uses water in it's manufacturing process or in the production of raw
materials and energy. During this process of using water, it can pick up pollutants when making
products or cleaning a manufacturing area and when released into the lake can lead to health
risks to all users of the lake water. In addition to this, large volumes of water are drawn from
the lake to remove excess heat from industrial processes. During this process, cooling water is
passed over heat exchange surfaces that transfer heat to the water thus increasing water's
temperature . When that water is released into the lake or it's tributaries without passing it
through cooling towers then may cause discomforts, migrations and even death to some biotic
organisms in the lake. This incident was experienced recently in the shores of the lake around
Kisumu when private farmers of fish incurred loses after the temperature of water rose beyond
limit in their fish ponds thus led to the death of fish.
Industries also discharge affluents rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Such have
been continuously discharged into the lake causing a dangerous process known as
eutrophication. This is a process where excessive nutrients cause algal blooms. The increased
algae growth leads to oxygen depletion hence harming fish and other aquatic organisms.

Oil spills and accidental releases : Industries which are involved in oil and gas extraction,
transport and storage are prone to accidents such as oil spills and leaks. It is realized that such
large quantities of oil and other related ones like grease which are hazardous cause immediate
and long term damage to the lake ecosystem. The oil spills lead to coating of water surface.
When released into the lake or any water body, a layer of oil forms on the surface of the water
referred to as oil slick. The formed slick prevents oxygen between the water and atmosphere
thus leading to reduced levels of oxygen in the water. This can suffocate aquatic animals
causing mass mortality.

Agricultural practices

Those who are living around the lake are practicing farming activities. Through the practice of
poor ploughing methods and application of excess chemicals into the soil, may lead to lake
pollution. It a common culture nowadays of using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, other crop
boosters and irrigation by the farmers for them to realize good yield. But when farmers do not
follow the efficient application procedures of chemicals then automatically pollution occurs. In
some instances the farmers are forced to apply fertilizers which are nitrogen- based near the
lake so that at least gain something at the end of farming process but this causes pollution. Not
all of the fertilizers and pesticides stay in the soil where they are applied; consequently, some
are released to the atmosphere, seeo into ground water or carried to the lake and nearby rivers
by runoff thus leading to water pollution.

Effects of the causes

Freshwater is vital food for health and basic survival. It is not only important for food and
energy production, but is essential to meet the basic needs of hygiene. Generally, unsanitary
conditions are closely associated with scarcity of clean water. The lake is the final destination of
factory affluents, oil and grease and raw sewage from urban centers. Pollution components of
the lake include microbiological pollutants, chemical pollutants and suspended solids which
result from direct activities on the lake. Untreated municipal sewage, agricultural waste
brought in by flowing rivers. Maritime transport waste and storm water inflow. All these
pollutants in the lake can lead to water- borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid dysentery and
certain intestinal parasites which are influenced by scarcity of clean water. Faecal
contamination of water also leads to bilharzia - the main water contact disease in the lake
region.

Increased human contact and exposure to the lake water occur through fish landing, trading,
transport, recreational activities, bathing, collecting water and washing households items
effects in the lake. Conditions at beach landing sites are unsanitary and there is widespread of
faecal bacteria contamination. Inadequate toilet facility has also led to increased water- borne
diseases around the lake. The lake also has been subjected to increased microbiological and
heavy metal pollution. This has led to reduction in diversity of fish species, reduced levels of
oxygen, increased salt loading and emergence of water hyacinth, all of which eventually impact
on the increased incidence of diseases and general health of people.

Increased growth of water weeds

Water hyacinth ( Erchomia crispes) was first reported in lake Victoria in 1988. Unchecked
growth of water hyacinth is associated with myriad problems including destruction of westlands
and waterways, degradation of water quality, prevention of fishing and recreational activities
and prevention of irrigation. The statistical link between water hyacinth and malaria, bilharzia is
not yet well defined but it has been shown that a type of filariasis is entirely linked to the
presence of water weeds. As water hyacinth blocks beach landing sites and prevents docking of
boats, fishermen are forced to wade through it as they try physically to remove the weeds and
push the boats through the weeds. Both activities increase contact with the diseases and even
snake bites. Algae blooms dominated by the potentially toxic blue- green variety have
developed on the lake Victoria, resulting in cause of the concern. Blooms of algae deoxygenate
deep waters, this results to death of fish, their migration and reduced field. They also produce
toxins that cause forms of dermatitis. Due to the increase of inflow of agricultural chemical
residues and heavy metal pollution from mining activities, there has been increase in algae
growth. This has well has continued to threaten the survival of deep water fish species.
MANAGEMENT OF LAKE'S POLLUTION

Awareness, campaigns and education

The three play crucial roles in the preservation of lake Victoria. They include:

Raising awareness - creating awareness about the importance of the lake and the threats it
faces will help in engaging the public and stakeholders. By disseminating information through
various channels such as social media, public events and educational programs which can help
people understand the ecological, economic and social significance of the lake. Increased
awareness leads to a sense of responsibility and motivates individuals and communities to take
action for its preservation.

Holding environmental campaigns - campaigns focused on lake Victoria can advocate for
sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and pollution reduction. These campaigns can target
specific issues such as overfishing, deforestation, water pollution, invasive species, and climate
change. By highlighting the consequences of these issues and suggesting alternative behaviors
and practices, campaigns can encourage positive changes among individuals, businesses and
government.

Education and capacity building - educating communities, students and decision - makers about
the lake's ecological processes, biodiversity and sustainable practices is crucial. This can be
achieved through formal education in schools, training programs, workshops and seminars.
Such education helps people understand the interconnectedness of human activities and the
lake's health.

Policy and advocacy- awareness and education efforts can support policy development and
advocacy for the protection of lake Victoria. The East African community holds the key position
for policy making for the management of the lake Victoria basin resources. There is a need for a
framework which transcends national boundaries since the present one only covers the three
countries: Kenya. Uganda and Tanzania leaving out the transboundaries entities such as
Rwanda and Burundi. The Lake Victoria Development Programme (LVDP) has been established
under the auspices of East African community to deal specifically with development and
management issues of the lake should be strengthened accordingly. We are aware of the vision
development process of the lake whereby five policy areas were established. A wide array of
strategies and change indicators were put forward to ensure the well- being of the lake. Policy
areas such as ecosystems, natural resources and environment, production and income
generation, living conditions and quality of life, population and demography and governance
should be relooked keenly. By disseminating information to policy makers and relevant
authorities can influence the formulation and implementation of environmental regulations,
resource management strategies and sustainable development plans. Advocacy efforts can also
help secure funding for conservation initiatives and ensure enforcement of existing laws and
regulations.

Oil spillage management

This requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, including government

Strict regulations and enforcement

Government should establish and enforce stringent regulations for oil exploration, drilling and
transportation services in and around Lake Victoria. These regulations should cover spill
prevention measures, emergency response plans, safety standards, and penalties for non-
compliance. Regular inspections and monitoring should be conducted to ensure compliance
with these regulations.

Adequate infrastructure and maintenance

Oil companies should invest in high - quality infrastructure and equipment to prevent leaks and
spills. This includes well- designed and maintained pipelines, storage tanks, and transportation
vessels. Regular inspections, and maintenance and infrastructure are necessary are necessary
to minimize the risk of spillage.
Research and innovation

Continued research and innovation in oil spill prevention and response technologies can
contribute to better mitigation strategies. This includes advancements in spills detection
systems, containment methods, and eco- friendly clean up techniques. Collaborative research
efforts between academia, industry, and government agencies can drive technological
advancements in this study.

It's essential to adopt a proactive and preventive approach to minimize the occurrence and
impact of oil spillage in Lake Victoria. By implementing robust regulations, investing in
infrastructure, promoting awareness and training and fostering collaboration then it can be
possible to significantly reduce the risk of drills and protect the delicate ecosystem of the lake.

Soil conservation and erosion control

Encourage farmers to adopt techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping
to prevent soil erosion. Promote the use of organic matter and compost to improve soil fertility
and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Farmers also to advocate for Integrated Pest
Management ( IPM). The use of IPM help minimize the use of chemical pesticides. They should
embrace pest control methods such as biological control using beneficial insects, crop rotation,
and use of resistant crop varieties. Lastly, the farmers around Lake Victoria to help control
pollution of the lake through practicing crop diversification. Farmers to diversify their crops to
reduce reliance on a single crop which can help improve soil health, enhance ecosystem
resilience, and provide economic stability.

Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA)

Prior to any oil exploration or drilling activities, thorough environmental impact assessment
should be conducted to evaluate the potential risks to the lake ecosystem. These systems
should identify vulnerable areas and suggest mitigation measures to minimize the risk of spills.