Communities around Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, are grappling with sharply declining fish production. From 2020 to 2024, fish yields dropped by nearly 20%, a concerning trend for a lake that provides 40% of Tanzania’s fish catches. This downturn threatens livelihoods in a region where fishing sustains millions.
Climate change, overfishing, and population pressures are contributing to the crisis. Rising temperatures and disrupted water circulation are reducing habitable zones for fish, with some studies indicating a 38% shrinkage since the 1940s.
In May 2024, Tanzania enforced a three-month fishing ban to boost fish stocks. While officials claim some success, a lack of robust data hampers accurate assessments. Aquaculture, seen as a potential solution, faces challenges, including limited training and resources.
Meanwhile, communities are adapting. In the remote village of Rukoma, microfinance initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures are offering alternatives to fishing, signaling resilience amidst uncertainty. However, the future of Lake Tanganyika’s fisheries industry remains precarious.