Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the Lake Victoria Basin

Abstract

This is a report of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the Lake Victoria basin, focusing on the Kenyan catchment. The study was commissioned by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) as part of the preparation for Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project Phase II (LVEMP-II) and was implemented between October 2005 and August 2006. The objective of the study was to prepare a TDA in order to identify a Strategic Action/Investment Program (SAP) addressing key environmental issues and poverty alleviation by promoting sustainable economic growth. Data and information for TDA were collected through; Desk review of relevant literature, analysis of empirical data and interview of key stakeholders using questionnaires and Participatory Rural Analysis (PRA) methods. The main findings were validated and new information acquired through various local and national meetings and workshops. In particular the stakeholder workshops held on 24 March 2006 in Nairobi and on 26-28 April 2006, 21-23 June 2006 and 22-23 August 2006 in Kisumu, provided key input to the process. The Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA) model was used, which consists of scaling, scoping, causal chain analysis and policy options analysis. The GIWA model enabled the identification of the major perceived problems and issues (MPPI), analyses of information generated and formulation of remedial measures.The TDA identified the main primary productive sectors in the Lake Victoria basin as; Land, water, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forests, wetlands, mining, energy, wildlife and tourism (cultural sites). Fisheries is among the most important resources of the lake basin, with a production value of about $88 million, export value of $60 million and contributes about 0.5% of Kenya’s GDP. Lake Victoria is Kenya’s dominant fish source, with three commercial fish species; Nile perch (Lates niloticus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and ‘dagaa’ (Rastrineobola argentea), which constitute over 95% of total fish catch. Agricultural production is another mainstay of the lake basin economy. The main food crops include; maize, beans, rice, cassava, sweet potato, Irish potato, sorghum, wheat, millet, banana, pineapples, groundnuts, simsim, cowpeas, green grams, soybeans, tomato and a wide variety of indigenous and exotic fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops. The main cash crops are; Sugar cane, tea, coffee, pyrethrum, tobacco, sunflower, cotton and pyrethrum. The livestock industry is based mainly on cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry. The main products are milk products (milk, ghee etc.), meat products (beef, mutton, chicken etc.), eggs, hide and skin. There are about 1.5 million cattle within the catchment and a high number of local breeds of goats and sheep within the catchment. The major livestock diseases in the basin are; Trypanosomiasis, East Coast Fever, Anaplasmosis, Babeosis, Heartwater, Newcastle disease, Foot and mouth disease, Rift Valley fever, rabies etc.