DEFORESTATION IN THE ZAMBEZI RIVER BASIN

The Zambezi River is one of the mighty rivers of Africa, with 6 countries depending on
the use of its water which emanates from a spring in North Western Zambia (Figure 1)
and empties in the Indian Ocean in Zambezia Province of Mozambique.

Figure 1: The source of the Zambezi river in North Western Zambia

This is one of the few rivers in the world which boasts two hydroelectric
dams, namely: Kariba in Zambia/Zimbabwe and Cahora Bassa in
Mozambique.
The pressure from humans for charcoal and fuel wood has led to its
demise (Figures 2 and 3).

Figure 2: Charcoal production in Zambia, the main cause of deforestation

 Figure 3: Harvesting fuel
wood in Zambia, the
secondary cause of
deforestation

It is a regular annual occurrence to get floods in the ephemeral rainy season with
places like Zambezi, Kabompo, Mongu, Shesheke, Senanga and Quelimane requiring
food and shelter relief during such periods. In that same year, Kariba and Cahora Bassa
Dams could run low during the ensuing dry season with the ubiquitous load shedding
in Zambia and Mozambique. Heavily industralised Zambia is forced to import
expensive electricity from an electricity generating ship anchored off the coast of
Mozambique (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Power generation ship anchored off the coast of Mozambique supplying
power to Zambia
Such power is expensive for the following reasons:
The cost of generation using oil
The cost of transmission using the Mozambiquan grid, and
Transmission losses from Mozambique to Zambia

In fact, the Zambezi runs so dry that kids hop from rock to rock above the mighty
Victoria Falls and cross from Zambia into Zimbabwe (Figure 5).
 Figure 5: Victoria Falls in the dry season

All of this despite having an above average rainy season. Contemporaneously with that,
wildlife at the Manas Pools game reserve spends all day looking for precious drinking
water which their predecessors got readily from the Zambezi River.
Deforestation of the Zambezi River basin is the culprit of this manmade disaster. The
wanton destruction of vegetative cover for fuel wood and charcoal leads to rain water
running unchecked into the river during the months of December to March. Water,
which if arrested, will percolate through the soil down to the water table and recharge
the phreatic surface. It is that recharge which is released as springs to keep the river
flowing all year round, as happened 30 years ago (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Recharge of a river from springs

Another problem with deforestation is that of soil erosion. Eroded soil has been
transported and is filling up Lake Kariba (Figures 6 and 11) at an alarming rate.
 Figure 6:
Lake Kariba
at Siavonga,
filling up
fast, due to
siltation
caused by
soil erosion
in the upper
reaches of
the Zambezi
River. A
vital source
of fish and
power

With less water in the lake, the generation of electricity from the turbines is affecting
output from the Kariba hydroelectric station (Figure 7).

Figure 7:
Kariba
hydroelectric
dam the major
source of
power
generation in
Zambia and
Zimbabwe
with a grid to
feed the entire
Southern
African region

This affects Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as the Southern Africa region.

Silt in the lake also erodes the high speed turbines thus reducing the lifespan
tremendously and causing vibrations and premature bearing failure. Siltation is also
deceptive as it is from bottom up and gives a false sense of euphoria when one thinks
that the reservoir is full, when in fact, it has less water due to silt.
When the floodgates are opened to attenuate the level of water at the height of the
rainy season, the silt carried in that flood discharge, erodes the plunge pool
downstream of the dam, thus weakening its stability and integrity.

As a result, one sees the surface level of the lake and feels that there is adequate water
for power generation; however, on doing a detailed hydrographic survey, it is soon
revealed that deposition has occurred and reduced the effective volume tremendously.

A concerted effort is now required to revegetate the Zambezi basin. Indigenous species are
hardy and best suited for such task. They will help to arrest the flow of rain water and
recharge the water table. Through radio and television programs all governments must
educate the populace to embark on such aggressive afforestation drive.

As Zambia diversifies its economy away from copper production, industries such as
agriculture and crocodile farming (Figure 8) are assuming greater importance. These
industries depend on water from the Zambezi River and could suffer as a result of
deforestation.

Figure 8: Crocodile
farming on the bank of
the Zambezi River at
Siavonga

The proposed copper mine in the Lower Zambezi game reserve in Zambia, by the aptly
named Zambezi Resources, will put more pressure on this precious water course, with
the inevitable consequence of pollution from untreated mine tailings and the
concomitant water pollution problem. A polluted Zambezi will deplete Kapenta fish
stocks in Lake Cahora Bassa. This is a major source of affordable protein for the entire
Mozambique population. SADCC nations ought to meet to discuss this proposed project,
it is of regional concern and not just Zambian?
 Proving that the Zambezi River basin binds the nations of Angola, Zambia, Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as it weaves its way through an eclectic mix of
landscapes from the Central African Highlands to the Indian Ocean, descending 1,500
metres in the process (Figure 9).

Figure 9:
Map of the
Zambezi
River Basin
showing its
binding
effect on
the
countries
that share it

Figure 10: Afforestation in the Zambezi River basin could restore this natural wonder of the
world to its past glory
For millennia this vital lifeline sustained the livelihood of Bantu people, by providing
abundant fish, copious water for livestock and ample means of irrigation for crops,
today it has become a scant resource for their descendants.

Figure 11: Satellite image of Lake Kariba

The author has devised a methodology for afforestation of the Zambezi River Basin over
a five-year period using indigenous species of vegetation. This program will involve all
communities living along the river's banks. A monetary incentive will be given to ensure
that the planted saplings survive to their third year. Thereafter, the trees can take care
of themselves.
 Figure 12: Floodgates open on Cahora Bassa dam during the halcyon days

Ramoutar (Ken) Seecharran

Environmental and Mining Consultant
NOTES