Rising Waters at Lake Naivasha: A Family’s Struggle
When Dickson Ngome began farming near Lake Naivasha in Kenya in 2008, his land was a solid distance from the shore. He grew vegetables to sell, enjoying fruitful harvests. Back then, concerns about the lake drying up were frequent. But things have changed.
In recent years, the lake’s waters have crept closer, driven by heavy rains attributed to climate change. This past October, the Ngome family woke up to find their home submerged. “The water came from nowhere,” said Rose Wafula, Ngome’s wife, recalling their shock as they found themselves surrounded by rising water.
Now, the family is living in an abandoned school, like many others forced to leave their homes. This year alone, about 5,000 people in the area have been displaced. Scientists believe increased rainfall due to climate change has played a significant role in raising the water levels, although other factors also contribute.
Lake Naivasha is not only important for the local community; it is a tourist hotspot and is surrounded by flower farms, many of which are now disappearing into the lake. While the water level has surged, its impact goes beyond just lost crops. The situation for local farmers is dire: five years of increased rainfall has led to a troubling trend across East Africa, where lakes have expanded by over 71,000 square kilometers since 2011. This has displaced tens of thousands of families across the region.
Simon Onywere, an environmental planning expert at Kenyatta University, noted, “The lakes have risen almost beyond their record levels.” In fact, some areas, such as Lake Baringo, have seen water levels rise dramatically, submerging buildings and infrastructure.
The rise in lake waters has baffled researchers. Richard Muita, a Kenyan meteorologist, pointed out that while heavy rains are linked to rising lake levels, “There are also geological and planetary factors at play.” Sedimentation from farming activities could also be increasing the water levels, posing yet another challenge for communities.
Lake Naivasha’s border was set at a height of 6,210 feet above sea level, dating back to 1906. Yet, many settlers like the Ngomes found themselves living on land that technically isn’t theirs to occupy. Silas Wanjala, general manager of the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association, explained that land management issues from decades ago have left many communities vulnerable today. As a result, these families are now at risk of conflict with wildlife, including hippos, as they try to return home.
Local governments are responding to the crisis. Joyce Ncece, chief officer for disaster management in Nakuru County, has stated the priority is to assist displaced families. “We are tackling this as an emergency,” she said, mentioning efforts to offer housing assistance.
Experts like Onywere and Muita stress the importance of planning for the future. They advocate for better infrastructure in safer areas and a concerted global effort to combat climate change. Muita envisions using local knowledge in solutions, such as conservation agriculture, to reduce sedimentation.
For Ngome and Wafula, however, the future remains uncertain. Living in a temporary shelter as they watch the waters rise brings constant worry. As they face an unknown future, they highlight the human side of climate change statistics—a struggle echoed by many in similar predicaments throughout East Africa.
For further insights into climate resilience in Africa, check out resources from reputable sources like the United Nations Development Program.
Source link
Joyce Ncece,World news,Rose Wafula,Richard Muita,environment,Climate
