Recent changes in level of Lake Victoria

Abstract

The level of Lake Victoria rose by over 2.5 m between October 1959 and May 1964. Following a slight fall the lake began to rise again in 1978 and by mid 1979 had again reached almost to the level of 1964. Because these recent rises are in contrast to the previous long period (60years),of relatively stable levels they aroused considerable interest. This paper examines possible manmade and natural causes for the rises and opts for an increase in over-lake precipitation as the most likely cause. Comparison is also made with similar rises in other East African lakes.