Barotse floodplains, Zambia - Movingrivers.org

Overview

The Barotse floodplains are part of the Zambezi River basin and one of Africa’s largest wetlands consisting of varied ecotypes of high biodiversity and economic value. In Zambia, they are the second largest floodplains in Zambia comprising of a vast expanse of open land covered with Zambezian grasslands, Kalahari sands, riverine wetlands, and the Zambezi. The floodplains stretch from the confluence of the Zambezi River with the Kabompo River, at Lukulu in the north, to Senanga in the south. The expansion and contraction of the floodplains is caused by annual precipitation and flooding, resulting in a minimum area coverage of approximately 2595 km2 and a maximum of approximately 10,750 km2 when flooded. However, the Barotse floodplains have been severely affected by climate change which is characterized by excessive temperatures, prolonged and frequent droughts, and erratic, seasonal flash floods. Fishing is the main source of livelihoods, food, and nutrition for the people of Barotse land, with an estimated 80 fish species recorded from catches. However, there is growing concern about declining fish catches. Therefore, this research seeks to investigate how climate change has affected the natural functioning of the Barotse floodplain, and its subsequent influence on fish stocks.

References:

Banda, A.M., Banda, K., Sakala, E. et al. (2023). Assessment of land use change in the wetland of Barotse Floodplain, Zambezi River Sub-Basin, Zambia. Nat Hazards 115, 1193–1211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-022-05589-0.

CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems. (2013). Improved fisheries management in the Barotse Floodplain of Zambia – An urgent call for action. CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems. Penang, Malaysia. Brief: AAS-2013-40.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2003). Barotse Floodplain, Zambia: local economic dependence on wetland resources. Case Studies in Wetland Valuation No.2: Integrating Wetland Economic Values into River Basin Management.

Milupi, I., Moonga, M., Namafe, C., Simooya, S., Monde, P., and Njungu, N. (2019). Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability, and Adaptation Options among the Lozi Speaking People in the Barotse Floodplain of Zambia. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 6. 149 – 157.

MLNREP – Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. (2016). National Policy on Climate Change, Lusaka, Zambia, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

NHCC – National Heritage Conservation Commission (2009). The Barotse Cultural Landscape. Available https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5428/

Seyam, I., Hoekstra, A., Ngabirano, G. and H. Savenije. (2001). The value of freshwater wetlands in the Zambezi Basin. Paper presented at AWRA/ILWRI-University of Dundee International Specialty Conference on Globalisation and Water Resources Management: The Changing Value of Water.

Zimba, H., Banda, K., Chabala, A., Phiri, W., Selsam, P., Meinhardt, M., and Nyambe, I. (2018). Assessment of trends in inundation extent in the Barotse Floodplain, upper Zambezi River Basin: A remote sensing-based approach, Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 15, pp 149-170.ISSN 2214-5818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2018.01.002.

Research summary

PhD researcher: Agness Musutu

The Barotse Floodplains in Zambia are a critical ecosystem for fish biodiversity and local livelihoods. However, the floodplains are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate and habitat change. This study evaluates the effects of climate and habitat change on fish stocks in the floodplains, utilizing a combination of ecological data, fisher observations, and remote sensing analysis through the “Two-eyed approach”. This approach will be used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to create an inclusive and comprehensive understanding of fish distribution, abundance and habitat changes in the Barotse floodplains. The Two-eyed approach is a methodological framework that integrates indigenous/local knowledge systems with Western scientific methods. This approach emphasizes the use of “two eyes” to see the strengths of both perspectives, promoting a holistic understanding of environmental and social issues. On one hand, the qualitative data will be gathered from local knowledge through interviews and oral histories, participatory mapping and community workshops. On the other hand, the quantitative data collection will use scientific surveys such as remote sensing and fish sampling through Catch Assessment Surveys (CAS).

References:

NHCC – National Heritage Conservation Commission (2009). The Barotse Cultural Landscape. Available https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5428/

Tweddle, D. (2010). Overview of the Zambezi River System: its history, fish fauna, fisheries, and conservation. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management, 13(3), 224-240.