Rising Waters at Lake Kariba Restore Hope for Communities, Wildlife and Energy Security in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Communities surrounding the iconic Lake Kariba are beginning to witness renewed hope and economic relief as water levels in the massive man-made lake continue to rise after years of devastating drought and declining capacity.
Stretching approximately 223 kilometres in length and 40 kilometres in width, Lake Kariba remains the largest human-created lake by volume in the world and one of Southern Africa’s most critical economic and environmental resources. Constructed in the 1950s primarily for hydroelectric power generation, the lake has evolved into a lifeline supporting tourism, fishing, wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of thousands of people in both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
For years, however, prolonged droughts, rising temperatures and climate-related pressures pushed the lake into one of its most difficult periods in history. Since the early 2010s, water levels have rarely recovered to full capacity, severely affecting economic activity and threatening the fragile ecosystem that depends on the lake.
In 2024, the situation reached alarming levels when Lake Kariba’s usable water storage for electricity generation dropped to only 13 percent. The decline triggered widespread power shortages and extended load-shedding across cities and towns in Zambia and Zimbabwe, disrupting businesses, industries and household livelihoods.
The falling water levels also placed enormous pressure on communities that depend directly on the lake for survival.
Fishing activities declined significantly as shrinking breeding grounds affected fish populations. Overfishing and the use of illegal fishing equipment further worsened the problem, leaving many fishing families struggling with reduced incomes and food insecurity.
The environmental impact was equally severe. Crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife faced food shortages as fish stocks diminished, increasing dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife. Fishermen frequently reported crocodiles attacking fishing nets in search of food, resulting in damaged equipment and rising operational costs.
In some desperate cases, fishers resorted to risky and illegal fishing practices such as fish driving, a method involving the herding of fish into shallow waters or nets through noise and coordinated movements. These dangerous practices exposed communities to attacks from wildlife and arrests by authorities enforcing conservation laws.
Tourism, another major economic pillar around Lake Kariba, also suffered heavily. Water-based recreational activities including boating, game viewing and leisure cruises became increasingly difficult as low water levels restricted navigation routes and reduced access to key tourism destinations.
Today, however, a major turnaround is bringing renewed optimism.
According to the Zambezi River Authority, increased inflows from the upper Zambezi catchment area have steadily raised water levels since March 2026. For the first time since 2019, Lake Kariba’s usable water storage for hydroelectric generation has risen to 42.40 percent, a development widely welcomed by governments, businesses, tourism operators and local communities.
The rising waters are expected to significantly improve electricity generation, potentially easing the severe load-shedding that has affected millions of residents and slowed economic productivity in both countries.
For local fishing communities, the recovery of fish breeding areas is expected to boost fish populations and improve catches in the coming months. Increased fish stocks could enhance food security, restore incomes and improve living conditions for families dependent on fishing.
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The improved water situation is also expected to reduce competition between fishers and crocodiles, lowering the risk of human-wildlife conflict that intensified during the drought years.
Tourism operators are equally hopeful that the recovery of the lake will revitalize water-based tourism activities. Recreational fishing, wildlife viewing and boating into river estuaries rich in birdlife and wildlife are expected to rebound strongly as navigation conditions improve.
Despite the encouraging developments, experts and local authorities warn that long-term solutions remain critical as climate change continues to threaten water security across Southern Africa.
Authorities in Zambia and Zimbabwe are being urged to strengthen climate adaptation strategies to prepare for future droughts and fluctuating water levels. Discussions are growing around how fishing, tourism and energy generation can remain sustainable during prolonged dry seasons.
Experts also emphasize the importance of combining scientific research with Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems to help communities adapt to climate pressures. Cultural rainmaking rituals, community-based adaptation measures and stronger disaster preparedness programmes are increasingly being viewed as important complementary solutions.
There are also calls for governments and development partners to invest in alternative economic opportunities and food support systems for communities affected during periods of drought and environmental stress.
Energy diversification is emerging as another major priority. Stakeholders are advocating for the development of large-scale floating solar projects on Lake Kariba as an alternative and sustainable electricity generation strategy capable of reducing dependence on hydroelectric power alone.
Tourism authorities are similarly being encouraged to expand land-based recreational activities in the Kariba region to ensure the tourism sector remains resilient even during periods of low water levels.
As the waters continue to rise, Lake Kariba is once again becoming a symbol of resilience, recovery and renewed opportunity for the people and ecosystems that depend on it. While challenges linked to climate change remain, the current recovery offers a powerful reminder of the lake’s enduring importance to Southern Africa’s economic stability, environmental sustainability and community livelihoods.
