Water management and monitoring support for Lake Victoria using earth observation and capacity building
- Type of project
- Water plants (hyacinth) monitoring; Water quality (incl. Chlorophyll and suspended particles); Lake temperature monitoring; Lake water level measurements
- Location
- Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (Kenya)
- Continent
- Africa
- Company
- Infram
- Client
- National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NAFIRRI – Uganda), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI – Kenya) and Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO – Uganda).
- Period
- October 2005 to April 2008
- Contract value
- Infram : € 80,000, Partner(s): € 20,000
- Objective
Demonstrating to stakeholders in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania the significance of satellite derived data for an improved understanding of Lake Victoria’s properties and dynamics..
Project information
Lake Victoria is a very important resource for the three riparian countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Nile Perch exports alone are valued at over US$300 –450 million per annum. The lake covers a vast area and the collection of data on the lake is therefore a time consuming exercise. The environmental challenges are very big: invasive species (water hyacinth), algae blooms and urbanisation along the shores force the countries to define a clear management policy for the lake and its catchment.
The research institutes have recently been expanded with GIS laboratories, which shows that they realise the importance of geographical data, but the application of satellite derived data has only just begun. Various dedicated sensors with proven hydrological and limnological relevance are now operational. Taylor made products will further their comprehension and will start a discussion on how these products can be embedded in regular information flows.
Description of project
The main aim of the project was to show to the national fisheries research institutes and the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization how satellite derived data can be implemented in management and monitoring activities. Water quality products like chlorophyll and Total Suspended Matter maps were made for the entire lake; for specific areas in each of the three countries maps were made of water hyacinth coverage; and tabular data with lake surface temperature and water level fluctuations were also generated. These products were then compared with in situ measurements that were gathered by the research institutes.The project was initiated by Vexcel the Netherlands and finalised under the responsibility of Infram. It is one of a limited number of projects ESA supported as a concrete follow-up of its Tiger initiative. ESA launched this initiative in 2002. It focuses on the use of space technology for water resource management in Africa.
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