The Impact of Human Activities On Sustainable Environment Management of the Lake Shore Ecosystems: A Case Study of Mwaloni Landing Site On Lake Victoria, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The study was to investigate how human activities along Lake Victoria shores in Mwaloni region, have led to resources degradation, and to come up with solutions to reduce such effects on the lake ecosystem. The main objective was to determine the effects of human activities on the people and the aquatic environment along Lake Victoria shores in Mwaloni region-Mwanza Tanzania. The methods used for data collection involved both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Questionnaires alongside face to face interviews were the tools used. Findings indicated that human activities to were largely responsible for aquatic! lake degradation. Circumstances of water pollution, wetland reclamation, and waste disposal into the water, uncontrolled fishing and increased construction debris disposal into the lake were as a result of human activities. The researcher noted that what used to be the native mangrove vegetation and wetland/lake shore bogs have been severely cleared for settlement and establishment of business centres. Lake Shore ecosystem. However, the iciowledge of awareness- amongst the local population inMwaloni region regarding the lake degradation was low, with about 10% of the population completely un aware of any changes in the water ecosystem. The researcher’s fear was that most degradation noticed on the lake and aquatic ecosystem was anthropogenically induced and the population and demand for resources continue to increase given the increasing human population. Recommendations include: - the govermnent must therefore continue to invest heavily in providing logistical support in order .to provide residents of IvIwaloni with the much needed fimds and training on how io conserve Lake Victoria shores!resources and other lakes in Tanzania irrespective of their region of origin, income status, gender, religion and nay other disparities. Tanzanian Government must invest in people by expanding access to funds, the neediest and providing for working poor, those unable to work and special vulnerable and targeting marginalized groups.