Land Cover Dynamics in Tanzania Part of Kagera River Basin: A Strategy for Sustainability of Lake Victoria

This study is reporting on an investigation done to assess land cover dynamics in Tanzania part of
Kagera River Basin (KRB) over a period of 21 years i.e.1990-2011 using Remote Sensing, Hydrology
and GIS as a basis for initiating policy interventions for sustainability of Lake Victoria ecosystem.
Hitherto, the extent of land cover changes in the KRB have not been quantified with the view of
assessing the extent of exploitation of the natural resources in the area and its subsequent impact on
the trans-boundary Lake Victoria water resource. The assessment is important firstly, for identification
of causative factors and secondly, as a mechanism for formulating necessary interventions to that
effect. Specifically, Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and ETM+ (2000) satellite images were used. Eight Land
Cover classes were identified namely, Forests, Woodland, Bush land, Cultivated Land, Swamps,
Grassland, Bare land and Urban areas. Hydrographical data were used to assess changes in quantity
of water flowing from the KRB into Lake Victoria and relating it with land cover dynamics in KRB at in
the period of study. Spatial data processing, analysis and interpretation were carried out in ERDAS
Imagine and ArcGIS software environments; while water quantity data and other non-spatial data
were processed and analyzed in Microsoft Excel application 2007.
The study revealed a significant decline of vegetation cover and water quantity discharged from
Kagera River to Lake Victoria over the study period. This contravenes the Global efforts of ecological
sustainability, urging avoidance of depletion of natural resources for maintenance for ecological
balance. These results are early warning to the Management of Lake Victoria of its potential failure
towards achievement the Millennium Development Goal on responsible consumption and protection
of natural resources in proximity of Lake Victoria. The Management of Lake Victoria in collaboration
with other relevant authorities should thus, initiate remedial measures to control none strategic use of
vegetation cover in KRB for sustainability of Lake Victoria and its ecosystem.