Research shows Lake Chad’s water volume has increased since the 1980s, despite common beliefs about its decline. Increased rainfall and flooding risks complicate local adaptations to climate change, which are further hindered by regional conflicts. Organizations are working with communities on sustainable practices to address these challenges.
Recent research indicates that Lake Chad is not shrinking as previously thought; in fact, its water volume has increased since the 1980s. Increased rainfall, alongside the historical drought patterns, has heightened flooding risks in the region. This situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, which impede local adaptation efforts to climate change.
The Lake Chad Basin spans approximately 2.5 million square kilometers, covering parts of eight countries and supporting around 3 million residents. Rainfall significantly affects the lake’s water volume, which is fed by rivers but does not drain elsewhere. The lake experiences seasonal fluctuations in size, influenced by varying precipitation.
Historically, Lake Chad was the sixth-largest lake globally; however, severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s drastically reduced its area. By the mid-1980s, it had shrunk to merely 2,000 square kilometers, splitting into two pools. Once viewed as a symbol of climate change effects, new studies now show the lake’s area has stabilized and even expanded recently.
Studies from the past two decades reveal a steady recovery of Lake Chad’s surface water. Recent findings show that by 2022, its water area was approximately 18,800 square kilometers, suggesting that the lake is resilient despite its past depletion. However, some northern parts remain affected, potentially due to vegetation growth and river changes.
Local communities have adapted to Lake Chad’s fluctuating water levels through traditional agricultural practices. They plant various crops based on water availability, but unpredictable rains add significant challenges. Increased rainfall and evaporation have made weather patterns less predictable, complicating farming and leading to potential flooding.
Flooding risks have escalated in recent years, with significant floods occurring in 2022 and 2024, displacing millions and damaging farmland. Studies indicate climate change has intensified rainfall patterns, dramatically increasing the likelihood of flash floods. Projections suggest that such flooding could become more frequent, occurring every two to five years in the future.
In light of these challenges, communities have developed flexible agricultural methods, and organizations like the Lutheran World Federation are assisting with climate adaptation strategies. Projects focus on sustainable practices such as drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation, and conflict resolution to foster stability and food security. Nonetheless, the unpredictable climate and regional conflicts continue to thwart these initiatives.
In conclusion, Lake Chad, contrary to widespread belief, is not declining; it has experienced water volume increases recently. However, climate change is complicating local livelihoods through intensified rainfall and flooding risks, compounded by conflicts in the region. Efforts to adapt to these changes are ongoing, with various organizations working to promote sustainable practices while addressing the security challenges that impact communities.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
